form10-k.htm
 
 

 

 



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2011
or
 
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 000-51003

CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
32-0122554
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois
60563
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 630-245-7200
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes x No
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes x No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes  No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes  No
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer 
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer (do not check if smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes x No
 
The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates (assuming that all directors and executive officers are affiliates) on June 30, 2011, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $287.5 million.
 
At March 1, 2012, there were 20,336,112 shares of Class A common stock and 100 shares of Class B common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III - Portions of the definitive proxy statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on or about June 1, 2012, as specifically described herein.
 



 
 

 

PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
 
Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “our Company,” and “the Company” refer to Calamos Asset Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated on July 23, 2004, and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Calamos Investments LLC (formerly known as Calamos Holdings LLC) and the operating company subsidiaries of Calamos Investments LLC.
 
“Calamos Advisors” refers to Calamos Advisors LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, an investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and wholly-owned subsidiary of Calamos Investments LLC. Calamos Advisors acts as an investment advisor in managing our separate accounts and open-end and closed-end funds;
 
“Calamos Family Partners” refers to Calamos Family Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and our predecessor holding company. Calamos Family Partners is a private firm owned by members of the Calamos family and owns all the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock;
 
“Calamos Global Funds” and “Offshore Funds” refer to Calamos Global Funds PLC, an Ireland-domiciled open-end umbrella company consisting of Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS), which are registered in the Republic of Ireland;
 
“Calamos Financial Services” refers to Calamos Financial Services LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Calamos Investments LLC. Calamos Financial Services acts as the sole distributor of our family of open-end funds; and
 
“Calamos Interests” refers to Calamos Family Partners and John P. Calamos, Sr., our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Calamos also holds the controlling interest in Calamos Family Partners.
 
The other wholly-owned subsidiary of Calamos Investments LLC is Calamos Wealth Management LLC, a registered investment advisor that provides wealth management services, including asset allocation and investment advisory services, to high net worth individuals, family offices and private foundations. Calamos International LLP, an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Calamos Investments LLC, is a registered investment advisor with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the United Kingdom and distributor of the Offshore Funds and Company’s products globally.
 
The assets under management and other financial data presented in this report with respect to the open-end funds that we manage include the Calamos Growth and Income Portfolio, which is a portfolio of the Calamos Advisors Trust, a registered open-end investment company. However, references to the term “open-end funds” in this report do not otherwise include this portfolio. References to “Funds” in this report refer to both open-end and closed-end funds, as well as Offshore Funds.

 
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Overview
 
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. is the sole manager of Calamos Investments LLC, which owns and manages our operating companies. For more than 34 years, we have provided investment advisory services to institutions and individuals, managing $32.8 billion in client assets as of December 31, 2011. Throughout our history, we have based our investment philosophy around a single belief; that the key to consistent, long-term success is achieving an optimal balance between enhancing return and managing risk. We have consistently applied our investment philosophy and a proprietary process centered on risk management across a range of U.S. and global investment strategies. The graphic below illustrates our organizational and ownership structure as of December 31, 2011:


 
 
 
 

 





_________________

(1)
Represents combined economic interest of Calamos Family Partners, Inc. and John P. Calamos, Sr. who is also a member of Calamos Investments LLC.
(2)
Represents combined economic interest of all public stockholders, including John P. Calamos, Sr., Nick Calamos and John P. Calamos, Jr.’s combined 5.53% ownership interest of Class A common stock. The calculation of ownership interest includes vested stock options.




 
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Our Company began as a boutique investment manager, with an emphasis on strategies that sought to maximize the potential of convertible securities to manage risk and build wealth. Today, we offer strategies to fulfill a range of asset allocation goals. The breadth of our investment strategies represents a logical expansion of our core investment discipline and proprietary resources. Because our investment process begins with a comprehensive understanding of a company and the relative attractiveness of the securities within its capital structure, we have been able to selectively expand our capabilities across many strategies. Each portfolio benefits from the research and insights of our entire investment team and the accumulated knowledge we have amassed over the decades.
 
As more fully described in the Investment Strategies section below, our strategies include equity, low-volatility equity, convertible, enhanced fixed income, total return, alternative and fixed income. We believe a disciplined adherence to our investment philosophy and process has enabled us to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns over the long-term.

We seek institutional and individual clients with long-term investment horizons. We make our range of investment strategies and services available to these clients, directly and through intermediaries, by offering an array of investment products designed to suit their investment needs, such as open-end funds, closed-end funds, institutional managed accounts and separate accounts. We plan to continue to introduce new investment strategies and supporting services that will provide the opportunity for attractive risk-adjusted returns.
 
We believe our investment performance, broad range of investment strategies, diverse product offerings and emphasis on sales and client service efforts have allowed us to help our clients create wealth over full market cycles, which, in turn, grew our assets under management and revenues throughout the years. Differentiated by a one-team, one-process approach, ours is a culture of innovation, global perspective, and clear alignment with our clients’ interests. Over the decades, we have consistently demonstrated strength in developing strategies that capitalize on the opportunities of the changing investment landscape.
 
In 2011, we experienced a reduction in assets under management, driven primarily by market depreciation and, to a lesser degree, net outflows. The year was marked by significant volatility in the equity markets, fueled by continued uncertainty with U.S. policy and regulation as well as by the ongoing international debt crisis. The U.S. convertible market saw limited issuance due to the low interest rate environment and suppressed spreads in the fixed-income market. We experienced negative flows in the fourth quarter of the year, reflecting industry-wide trends for equities and risk assets. Also contributing to net outflows was the 2011 closing of the Calamos Convertible Fund. This decision was made to limit the size of the fund in an effort to protect performance. 2011 was also defined by positive performance and flows into our global, international and emerging markets strategies, which is a reflection of our investment team’s discipline and investment approach.
 
We provide additional information about Calamos Asset Management, Inc. in the Investor Relations section of our website at http://www.calamos.com/Investors. This information includes corporate governance documents, press releases, investor presentations, SEC filings and assets under management reports, among others. We encourage you to visit and review our website. The information on our website is not a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Business Strategy
 
Our business strategy is designed to ensure we maintain focus on our investment philosophy and continue to seek ways to enhance it, given current conditions in the economy and markets. We apply a team approach to investment research and portfolio management, which allows us to significantly leverage our investment talent. While each of our strategies reflects distinct risk-reward parameters, all are managed according to our time-tested investment process and leverage the expertise of our fully integrated investment team.
 
Our goal is to continue to grow our business and diversify the assets we manage by investment strategy, product, service and type of client within our core competencies. We have selectively created complementary investment products over the years in order to take advantage of market opportunities for attractive risk-adjusted returns. Key to executing this strategy is our emphasis on building our capabilities in order to support growth, improve client responsiveness and position our business for long-term expansion. In 2011, we continued to improve the caliber and scope of our capabilities in portfolio management, marketing and other functions.
 
 
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We have been, and will continue to be, guided by the following principles:
 
Maintain Superior Investment Performance
 
Our strategy is to maintain our performance by consistently applying our investment philosophy and process, while actively managing our strategies to maintain a stable balance of risk and reward over the full course of a market cycle and during changing market conditions. We seek to protect our clients’ assets through our management of both investment portfolios and investment strategy capacity which are guided by this philosophy. Accordingly, at times we have chosen to restrict inflows or close products to new investments or discontinue products during periods when we do not believe satisfactory risk-adjusted returns can be achieved for our clients. 
 
Focus on Clients, With an Emphasis on Serving Long-Term Investors
 
We believe that managing our clients’ assets is an honor and a responsibility. Client service is crucial to our ongoing success. In all our activities, our goal is to have our clients’ best interests in mind and to work diligently and professionally to exceed client expectations in performance and service. We strongly believe that the success of our Company is a by-product of our success in helping clients achieve their investment objectives. In particular, we seek to attract, develop and maintain long-term client relationships by providing excellent client service, including educating investors about our investment philosophy and process.

Selectively Expand Our Investment Strategies

Since the introduction of our first convertible strategy in 1977, we have continued to strategically expand our product offerings. Each expansion has leveraged our core competency in investment research and portfolio management. We will continue to expand our investment strategies selectively in areas where we determine we can achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term. In 2010, we launched the Calamos Discovery Growth Fund, a small/mid-cap growth fund which we believe is a natural extension of our core competencies. In 2011, we extended our existing emerging markets expertise to non-U.S. investors through the addition of an emerging markets fund to our family of Ireland-based UCITS funds. Through such strategic expansion efforts, we believe we can enhance our ability to increase assets under management and revenues.
 
Expand Our Client Base

Over recent years, as part of our strategic initiatives, we have increased our focus on the institutional business through additions to staff in direct institutional sales, consultant relations, client relationship management and non-U.S. sales. These efforts have enhanced both our global business development as well as client service and retention efforts.

We distribute the Calamos open-end funds and managed accounts primarily through financial intermediaries. We have developed an extensive network of third-party financial intermediaries, and our products are structured to meet their needs and those of their clients. Our sales professionals are located across the United States and in Europe, and they act in a consultative role to provide our clients with insight. We intend to grow our intermediary business through selective relationships. We also manage five closed-end funds which are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and operate a wealth management division which serves high net worth individuals and select organizations. The development of these business segments is strategic and includes the continued delivery of a high level of client service and solid relative investment performance.

Capitalize on Our Recognized and Respected Brand

We believe that brand awareness is essential in expanding our client base and adding value. Our focus is to continue to highlight the uniqueness of our investment process, our investment strategies, and our global investment research, and ultimately expand our position in the market as a global growth manager.

In 2011, many of our funds and strategies were recognized for producing solid long-term performance and risk management by companies and publications such as Morningstar, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Dow Jones, Pensions & Investments, Zack’s, and TheStreet.com. Our Co-Chief Investment Officers, John P. Calamos, Sr. and Nick P. Calamos, have written books on investments in convertible securities and are recognized investment experts. They frequently discussed their investment insights on networks such as CNBC, Bloomberg and Fox Business throughout 2011. Fortune wrote a profile article of John P. Calamos, Sr. in April 2011, and our Company was noted for its expertise in other publications including Forbes, Pensions & Investments, IPE, Citywire, Reuters, Institutional Investor, Crain’s Chicago Business, Ignites and FundFire, among others. John P. Calamos, Sr. and Nick P. Calamos were

 
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named to Citywire’s Euro Stars list of top investment managers (“The Guide to Europe’s Top Rated Fund Manager, June 2011”). In addition, both also hosted online webinars in 2011 to discuss our investment strategies in this increasingly popular format and strengthen the Calamos brand and awareness of our investment philosophy through all of these activities.

We also raised brand awareness through strategic sponsorships and we took a leadership role at multiple industry and financial services conferences this past year. In 2011, we sponsored the Milken Institute Global Conference. Nick P. Calamos participated in a panel discussion hosted by CNBC’s Brian Sullivan during the highly esteemed conference. We also sponsored and participated in the first Milken London Summit. John P. Calamos spoke at the first-ever Greek Power Summit in Athens, intended to address that country’s economic crisis. We also took part in numerous trade shows and other industry activities in 2011, including the Capital Link Closed-End Fund Forum in New York City, the Schwab Impact Conference in San Francisco, and the Elite Summit for family offices in Europe.

Investment Philosophy
 
We believe that a successful investment philosophy must be consistent and long-term oriented. Our investment philosophy is based on our views about the longer-term trends and economic conditions that affect financial markets. We assume there will always be unforeseen events that will continually test conventional wisdom. We believe we can achieve favorable investment results over extended periods of time based on our experience in many market environments, our continued study of economics and financial markets, and our application of a sound investment process that can manage the volatility and risk associated with financial markets. Because of this philosophy, our investment process is focused on risk management. The creation of wealth for our clients over the long-term is not solely about producing returns, but about managing risk, which we define as the potential for loss and the variability of investment returns.
 
While seeking to achieve strong returns, we focus first on managing risk. We offer a variety of investment strategies that represent distinct balances, or profiles, of risk and reward. We believe that diversification is critical to managing risk and moderating the impact of volatile markets. Our objective is to maintain the consistency of each strategy’s risk and reward profile, whether managing a conservative or an aggressive strategy.
 
We make decisions on individual securities in the context of our perspective on macroeconomic themes in the U.S. and across the globe. While the market may not always follow the same pattern every economic cycle, history provides a valuable context for evaluating the risks and opportunities of the current investment environment. Our investment decision-makers have decades of experience managing through many market cycles.

Investment Management
 
Our investment management team is guided, above all else, by the long-term interests of our clients. This dedication to client service extends across our organization and guides the day-to-day decision making of every individual within our Company.

We employ a team approach to portfolio management and draw on the experience and expertise of 66 investment professionals focused on portfolio management, research, trading, portfolio administration and developing analytical models. Our investment team is comprised of our co-heads of research and investments, senior strategy/sector analysts, senior sector analysts, intermediate analysts and junior analysts. The team is led by our Co-Chief Investment Officers John P. Calamos, Sr. and Nick P. Calamos. While day-to-day management of the portfolios is a team effort, the co-heads of research and investments and senior strategy analysts, along with our co-chief investment officers, have primary and supervisory responsibility for the portfolios and work with team members to develop and execute the portfolio’s investment program. This team approach allows for valuable contributions from numerous analysts within our Company and creates a synergy of expertise that can be applied across many different investment strategies. We also believe that pooling the expertise of our analysts provides for more consistent investment performance over the long-term and provides for significant leverage of our investment talent. Members of our investment team participate in a career track system that helps institutionalize our investment process by immersing many analysts and other team members in our investment philosophy and process from early in their careers. Additionally, key members of the investment team participate in the long-term component of our incentive compensation plan. Through this plan, investment team members can share in the overall success of our Company.
 

 
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Investment Process
 
Our investment process combines our insights about economic conditions and broader investment themes with our analysis of individual securities. We use a proprietary, integrated research and monitoring process that leverages our years of experience and application, as well as long-standing principles and current academic research. Risk management is integrated fully throughout all aspects of our investment approach. Our process relies on qualitative research and also employs a variety of quantitative tools.
 
Our investment process incorporates top-down analysis of the global macroeconomic environment, sectors and as appropriate regions and countries. We also identify long-term secular themes that we believe will influence opportunities for decades to come. Our experience has shown that these secular themes provide a powerful tailwind to select companies, particularly during periods of slower economic growth and less hospitable business environments. Our top-down analysis is paired with our comprehensive security research. We first determine the intrinsic value of a company, and then utilize quantitative and qualitative inputs to value the various securities within its capital structure. We believe the thorough understanding of a company from both a debt and equity security perspective allows us to gain a truer understanding of a company’s potential — and its risks. The key steps in this process are:
     
   
Assess Business Value. We analyze businesses as would a buyer of the entire company, analyzing financial statements to determine an economic enterprise value.
     
   
Assess Security Value. Once we understand the value of a business, our investment team focuses on individual security values within its capital structure.
     
   
Assess Investment Opportunities. By understanding all aspects of a company’s capital structure, we seek to identify opportunities across asset classes (where applicable), as well as investment strategies.
     
   
Assess the Opportunity’s Role in the Portfolio. Using risk management and portfolio construction techniques, we determine whether an individual security has a place in our investment portfolios and strategies.
 
Investment security selection results from the intersection of top-down and bottom-up analysis. These securities are vetted more extensively within the context of the overall portfolio. Continual monitoring and risk management analysis is intended to ensure that each portfolio maintains appropriate diversification and risk/reward characteristics. 

Client Relationships

Our first institutional account mandate was initiated in 1981 for a pension fund account. In the late 1980s, we became one of the first participants in the broker-sponsored managed account business. In 2002, we launched the first of our five closed-end funds. As we have done in the past, we continue to strive to expand our presence in distribution channels that best deliver our strategies to long-term investors in order to grow our client base, assets under management and revenues. In recent years, we have placed greater emphasis on institutional investors, including private pension funds, public funds, endowment funds, banks and insurance companies. We have also placed greater emphasis on other channels for open-end funds and managed account products such as 401(k) platforms, broker consultants, broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, financial planners, family offices, private foundations and high net worth investors.

In 2011, as part of our ongoing efforts to expand our distribution opportunities and client base, we have maintained our focus on the institutional market and retirement platform opportunities, and selectively increased the number of intermediaries that distribute Calamos products globally.

Intermediary

In 2011, our ongoing efforts yielded several new retirement and national account relationships. Our efforts include focusing key resources and personnel on a targeted set of opportunities, including fee-based open-end fund platforms and separately managed accounts in the four major wire houses. We continue to align the incentives of our sales teams to emphasize client service and client retention.

 
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Defined contribution plans continue to be a significant segment of the U.S. intermediary market and open-end fund sales. We view the defined contribution industry as a strong target market, given our focus on risk management and outperformance over full and multiple market cycles.

We believe certain maturing products, including international growth, global equity, and evolving world growth, provide opportunities for this channel. We are seeing investors worldwide lose their home-country bias, which benefits this suite of products, as well as our U.S. equity strategies for non-U.S. investors. We believe we have the products to satisfy these needs and our Company is becoming increasingly well-known in this space.

Client accounts held at our top ten financial intermediaries represented approximately 55% of our assets under management as of December 31, 2011.
 
Institutional

In 2011, we continued to build and diversify the institutional channel. We believe our suite of international, global and emerging market strategies are well-positioned for growth, given their strong investment performance and market demand. In addition, we have been very encouraged by the level of interest shown by non-U.S. clients in our investment strategies and expect this part of our business to grow in 2012.

Wealth Management

As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 600 wealth management clients representing $902 million of assets under management, which are reported in their respective underlying investment products. We provide wealth management services, including asset allocation, to high net worth individuals, family offices and private foundations. Our wealth management group offers customized asset allocation advice under the guidance of our investment management team. Our individualized services include offering managed portfolios of open-end funds and separate accounts in both taxable and tax-deferred accounts; developing and executing multi-generational investment policies, asset management and income distribution plans; managing retirement, profit sharing and deferred compensation plans; providing asset allocation and investment management for foundations and endowments; and integrating alternative investments into a comprehensive financial plan. Additionally, our wealth strategy professionals are available to consult with clients on a wide variety of issues associated with the accumulation, preservation and transfer of family wealth.

Global

In 2007, we established Calamos Global Funds PLC, an Ireland-domiciled UCITS platform. In 2009, we established an office in London, where we serve intermediary and institutional channels in Europe. We have enhanced home office support and service of the European sales team, clients and prospects. We continue to build the brand globally in both intermediary and institutional business channels, including efforts to increase investment mandates through large distributors, investment consultants and institutional clients, such as sovereign wealth funds, in Canada, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East in addition to Europe. We are pleased with the development of our efforts in non-U.S. markets, and saw positive flows into our UCITS funds for the year. As discussed previously for other channels, we believe our products are well-positioned to benefit from the global trend away from a home-country bias for investors, including but not limited to an uptick in interest in U.S. equities by non-U.S. investors.

 
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Investment Strategies
 
The following table describes our investment strategies and corresponding assets under management at December 31, 2011:

 STRATEGY  (in millions)
 
     
Equity
  $ 11,518  
Strategies that seek capital appreciation by investing in a range of global companies of various market capitalization under both growth and value disciplines
Low-volatility Equity
    7,045  
Strategies that pursue equity market upside with less potential downside than an all-equity portfolio, by investing in dynamic blend of convertible securities, equities and high yield securities, globally
Convertible
    6,073  
Strategies that pursue equity market upside with less potential downside than an all-equity portfolio, by investing primarily in convertible securities
Enhanced Fixed Income
    3,005  
Closed-end portfolios that pursue high current income, from income and capital gains, investing primarily in high yield corporate bonds and convertible securities
Total Return
    2,255  
Closed-end portfolios that pursue current income, with increased emphasis on capital appreciation, by investing primarily in high yield corporate bonds, convertible securities and equities
Alternative 
    2,320  
Strategies that invest in non-traditional strategies, including market neutral and convertible arbitrage, among others
Fixed Income
    561  
Strategies that invest in U.S. investment-grade bond market, international and high-yield securities, U.S. Government Agency obligations and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government Agency obligations
Total
  $ 32,777    

Investment Products
 
We market our investment strategies to our clients through a variety of products designed to suit their individual investment needs. We currently offer four types of investment products that fall into the categories of Funds and separate accounts.
 
Funds
 
Funds include our open-end and closed-end funds, which are commingled investment vehicles registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (Investment Company Act) as well as our Offshore Funds. We include the Offshore Funds in open-end funds for reporting purposes.
 
Open-End Funds
 
As of December 31, 2011, we had $19.8 billion of assets under management in open-end funds, representing approximately 60% of our total assets under management. Open-end funds are continually offered and are not listed on an exchange. Open-end funds issue new shares for purchase, unless they are closed to new investors, and redeem shares from those shareholders who sell. The share price for purchases and redemptions of open-end funds is determined by each fund’s net asset value, which is calculated at the end of each business day.
 
We introduced our first open-end fund, the Calamos Convertible Fund, in 1985. We have since expanded our open-end fund products and services to invest in securities worldwide and to include equity, low-volatility equity, alternative, and fixed income strategies that we believe offer attractive risk-adjusted return potential. In recent years, much of our expansion efforts have been focused on global opportunities. In 2007, we introduced a global equity fund; and in 2008, we introduced an emerging markets growth fund. Additionally, in 2007, we established Calamos Global Funds PLC, an Ireland-domiciled UCITS.
 
We believe that in order to protect investor performance it is necessary to make the decision to limit purchases to certain strategies, or even to close certain strategies as circumstances warrant. In October 2008, we reopened our Calamos Convertible Fund, which had been closed since 2003 based on our analysis of the supply and demand trends in the convertible market. In 2008, the broad sell-off in the convertible markets created what we believed to be unprecedented opportunities for long-term investors. The fund was very successful following its reopening, and experienced inflows which significantly increased the size of the fund. In 2010, we began to restrict flows into the Calamos Convertible Fund to seek to protect our current investors and the investment performance of the fund

 
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given its increased size and the conditions in the U.S. convertible securities market. This decision was driven by issues of efficiency and scale for shareholders in that fund. Throughout 2011, we also began to restrict flows into certain of our other investment products that rely heavily on U.S. convertible securities, including the Calamos Market Neutral Income Fund, and both the Calamos Growth and Income Fund and the Calamos Global Growth and Income Fund.
 
As of year-end 2011, we acted as the investment advisor to 13 open-end funds and five Offshore Funds offered to customers primarily through financial intermediaries. During 2011, we added an emerging markets product, while closing U.S. Opportunity Fund in our Offshore Funds offering. We expect to continue to seek opportunities to expand and develop the investment strategies offered in our open-end fund products as we see opportunities and seek to meet investor demand.

Calamos Advisors manages the strategies of each of the open-end funds with the goal of achieving higher returns than their respective benchmarks over the long-term. Some of the funds also aim to achieve a reduced risk profile, as well. To do so, our investment team focuses on maintaining each strategy’s distinct balance between risk and return throughout the full course of the market cycle.
 
Open-end Funds
           
(in millions)
 
Assets Under Management at December 31, 2011
   
Year of Inception
 
U.S.-Domiciled Funds
           
Equity
           
Growth Fund
  $ 7,052       1990  
Value Fund
    39       2002  
Blue Chip
    57       2003  
International Growth Fund
    556       2005  
Global Equity Fund
    135       2007  
Evolving World Growth Fund
    229       2008  
Discovery Growth Fund
    37       2010  
Low-volatility Equity
               
Growth and Income
    4,327       1988  
Global Growth and Income
    1,629       1996  
Convertible
               
Convertible
    2,339       1985  
Alternative
               
Market Neutral Income Fund
    2,320       1990  
Fixed Income
               
High Yield Fund
    259       1999  
Total Return Bond Fund
    228       2007  
                 
Offshore Funds
               
                 
Equity
               
Growth Fund
    247       2007  
Global Equity Fund
    54       2007  
Emerging Markets Fund
    95       2011  
Low-volatility Equity
               
U.S. Opportunities Fund
    47       2007  
Global Opportunities Fund
    135       2007  
                 
Total
  $ 19,785          
 
 

 
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Closed-End Funds
 
As of December 31, 2011, we had $5.3 billion of assets under management in closed-end funds, representing approximately 16% of our total assets under management. Closed-end funds typically sell a finite number of shares to investors through underwritten public offerings, unlike open-end funds, which continually offer new shares to investors. After the public offerings, investors buy and sell those shares to other investors through an exchange or broker-dealer market. Occasionally, second offerings are made with closed-end funds, in which they are sold at the market rate. We do not receive commissions or distribution fees on second offerings.

We introduced our first closed-end fund, Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund (NYSE: CHI), in 2002. With this fund, we were among the first managers to combine different asset classes in a single closed-end offering, seeking to enhance returns and limit risk. We have since expanded our closed-end fund products and currently act as the investment advisor to five closed-end funds, each of which trades on the New York Stock Exchange.

Each of the Calamos closed-end funds employs leverage in its capital structure. With leverage, we seek to generate additional dividend potential for the common shareholders based on historical differences between short-term and long-term taxable interest rates. Leverage involves borrowing at shorter-term rates and investing the proceeds over a longer-term, which typically provides for higher returns. We continually assess our use of leverage because certain market conditions are not conducive to executing this strategy. We currently believe that leverage strategies are accretive to the common shareholders of our closed-end funds.

Calamos closed-end funds can be grouped into two broad categories: 1) enhanced fixed income — portfolios positioned to pursue high current income, from income and capital gains; and 2) total return — portfolios positioned to seek current income, with increased emphasis on capital appreciation. Funds in both groups seek to provide a competitive stream of monthly dividends and invest in a variety of asset classes.
 
Closed-end Funds
           
(in millions)
 
Assets Under Management at December 31, 2011
   
Year of Inception
 
Enhanced Fixed Income
           
Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund
  $ 1,087       2002  
Convertible and High Income Fund
    1,207       2003  
Global Dynamic Income Fund
    712       2007  
                 
Total Return
               
Strategic Total Return Fund
    2,101       2004  
Global Total Return Fund
    153       2005  
Total
  $ 5,260          
 
Separate Accounts
 
Separate accounts are individual portfolios of securities managed to meet clients’ unique needs and include institutional accounts and managed accounts.
 
Institutional Accounts
 
As of December 31, 2011, we had $5.5 billion of assets under management in institutional accounts, representing approximately 17% of our total assets under management. Institutional accounts are separately managed accounts for certain investors, such as corporate pension funds, public funds, endowment funds and not-for-profit institutions, offered through consultants, broker-dealer intermediaries and directly by us. A qualified investment trust and limited partnerships, that we manage, are also included in the institutional accounts designation. We have approximately 290 institutional accounts, from direct client as well as sub-advisory relationships.

 
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We received our first institutional account mandate in 1981 for a pension fund account. Since initially offering convertible investment strategies to institutions, we have broadened our mandates to include a variety of investment strategies in other asset classes, such as equity and high yield, and we see considerable opportunity for our global and non-U.S. equity strategies.
 
In recent years, our business development team has targeted institutional consultants and plan sponsors, and focused on educating institutional prospects about our investment process and performance. Our institutional marketing efforts center on identifying potential new investors, developing relationships with institutional consultants and providing ongoing client service to existing institutional accounts. We focus on growing our institutional business through equity and fixed income mandates, managed under both domestic and global objectives.
 
Institutional Accounts*
       
(in millions)
 
Assets Under Management at
December 31, 2011
 
Equity
  $
1,590
 
Low-volatility Equity
   
580
 
Convertible
   
3,261
 
Fixed Income
   
74
 
Total
  $
5,505
 
____________________________________ 
*Total institutional assets under management do not include assets serviced through open-end and closed-end funds.

Managed Accounts
 
As of December 31, 2011, we had $2.2 billion of assets under management in managed accounts, representing approximately 7% of our total assets under management. Our nearly 7,000 managed accounts are individual portfolios of securities offered primarily through 12 national and regional broker-dealer platforms. We first introduced managed accounts through a broker-dealer sponsored platform in 1989. Since initially offering convertible investment strategies to our managed account customers, we have broadened our mandates to include equity, low-volatility equity and convertible investment strategies.
 
Managed Accounts
       
(in millions)
 
 
Assets Under Management at
December 31, 2011
 
Equity
  $
1,428
 
Low-volatility Equity
   
326
 
Convertible
   
473
 
Total
  $
2,227
 

During 2010, we undertook an initiative to increase the account minimums for select convertible-based separately managed accounts. This program included smaller-sized accounts that had been closed since 2003. The minimum investment on these accounts was raised to $750,000 in order to seek to protect the investment performance for these accounts. This initiative resulted in some account liquidations, some transfers into Calamos open-end funds, while other account balances were increased to meet the new account minimums. The project was completed in 2010 and resulted in $1.3 billion in net outflows in Managed Accounts.

 
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Competitive Environment

We compete in all aspects of our business with a large number of investment management firms, commercial banks, broker-dealers and insurance companies. We compete principally on the basis of investment performance; quality of client service; brand recognition and business reputation; continuity of client relationships and assets under management; continuity of our selling arrangements with financial intermediaries; the range of products offered; the level of fees and commissions charged for services; the level of expenses paid to financial intermediaries for administration and distribution; and financial strength.
 
The following factors, among others, serve to increase our competitive risks: the financial strength and more comprehensive line of products and services provided by our competitors; consolidation within the investment management and broker dealer industries, which is increasing the size and strength of certain competitors; relatively few barriers to entry, which may increase the number of competitors; and the recruiting of our investment professionals and other employees from us. These and other factors could reduce our earnings and revenues and may have a materially adverse effect on our business.

Technology and Intellectual Property
 
We consider technology to be a competitive advantage in our investment process. Our investment approach demands tailored outputs for all aspects of the investment process, including risk management, security analysis and trade processing. As a result, our use of in-house developed and third-party technology and software enables customization of systems across our Company. Our quantitative investment tools, including our proprietary Calamos Corporate System, continue to be enhanced by our research development team. Our internal investment-related systems are geared to the principles that guide our investment process, allowing for a more seamless integration of security analysis, trade processing, accounting and portfolio administration of our nearly 7,300 accounts at December 31, 2011. In other areas of our business, where competitive advantages do not exist, such as trade order processing and portfolio accounting, we look to leverage third-party applications or service providers for cost efficiency.
 
Trademarks, service marks and brand name recognition are important to our business. We have rights to the trade and service marks under which our products are offered in connection with financial analysis and consultation, financial portfolio management and financial investment. We have registered certain marks in the United States, France, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and will continue to do so as new marks are developed or acquired. We have taken, and will continue to take, action to protect our interest in these marks.
 
Regulatory Environment

Our domestic and global lines of business are subject to extensive regulation. In the United States regulations exist at both the federal and state level, as well as by self-regulatory organizations. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to protect investment advisory clients and shareholders of registered investment companies. Agencies that regulate investment advisors have broad administrative powers, including the power to limit, restrict or prohibit an investment advisor from carrying on its business in the event that it fails to comply with such laws and regulations. Possible sanctions that may be imposed include the suspension or barring of individual employees, limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for specified periods of time, revocation of registrations, censures and fines. Calamos Global Funds  advised by Calamos Advisors is subject to the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority as well as to rules, laws and regulations in countries in which such funds are authorized.

Calamos Advisors and Calamos Wealth Management LLC are registered as investment advisors with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As registered advisors, they are subject to the requirements of the Investment Advisers Act, SEC regulations, and examination by the SEC’s staff. The Investment Advisers Act imposes substantive regulation on virtually all aspects of their business and its relationship with its clients. Requirements include fiduciary duties to clients, prohibitions on engaging in certain transactions with clients, maintaining an effective compliance program, compensation restrictions, solicitation arrangements, conflicts of interest, advertising rules, and recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure requirements. Calamos Asset Management, Inc. is not an investment company; however, the Funds that Calamos Advisors manages are registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act. The Investment Company Act imposes additional obligations, including detailed operational requirements for both the funds and their advisor. Moreover, an investment advisor’s contract with a registered fund may be terminated by the fund on not more than 60 days’ notice, and is subject to annual renewal by the fund’s board after an initial two-year term. The SEC is authorized to institute proceedings and impose sanctions for violations of the Investment Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act, ranging from fines and censures to termination of an investment advisor’s registration. The failure of Calamos Advisors and Calamos Wealth Management LLC to comply with the requirements of the SEC or the registered funds advised by Calamos Advisors to be in compliance with the requirements of the SEC could have a material adverse effect on us.

 
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Calamos International LLP is a registered investment advisor with the FSA in the United Kingdom. The FSA’s rules govern Calamos International LLP’s capital resource requirements, senior management arrangements, business conduct, client interaction and internal controls. Similar to United States regulations, violations of these rules may result in a range of disciplinary actions against our Company. Calamos International LLP must also comply with the Capital Requirements Directive, which sets forth regulatory capital requirements, and the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive rules, which regulate the investment services throughout the European Economic Area.

We are also subject to the federal and state laws affecting corporate governance, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, and rules promulgated by the SEC. Further, Calamos Asset Management, Inc. is subject to the rules of NASDAQ, including the corporate governance listing standards approved by the SEC.

In addition to being subject to the oversight and regulations of the SEC, Calamos Financial Services as a broker-dealer is subject to periodic examination by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA. FINRA regulations cover all aspects of its business, including sales practices, the minimum net capital, recordkeeping and the conduct of directors, officers and employees. Violation of applicable regulations can result in the revocation of broker-dealer licenses, the imposition of censure or fines and the suspension or expulsion of a firm, its officers or employees.

Calamos Advisors and Calamos Wealth Management LLC are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or ERISA, with respect to benefit plan clients. ERISA and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries under ERISA, prohibit certain transactions involving ERISA plan clients and provide monetary penalties for violations of these prohibitions. Failure to comply with these requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Employees

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had 341 and 318 full-time employees, respectively.

SEC Filings

Our SEC filings are available through the Investor Relations section on our website http://www.calamos.com/Investors. We encourage our readers to view our SEC filings as well as other important information, including corporate governance documents, press releases, investor presentations, assets under management reports and other documents, on our website. The information on our website is not a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 


 
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Risks Related to Our Industry

Our assets under management, which impact revenue, are subject to significant fluctuations.

Substantially all of our revenues are determined by the amount of our assets under management. Under our investment advisory contracts with our clients, the investment management fee we receive is typically based on the market value of assets under management. In addition, we receive asset-based distribution and/or service fees with respect to the open-end funds managed by Calamos Advisors pursuant to distribution plans adopted under provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (Investment Company Act). Rule 12b-1 fees typically are based on the market value of our assets under management. Accordingly, a general or prolonged decline in the prices of securities usually has caused our revenues and net income to decline due to (i) the value of our assets under management decreasing, and\or (ii) clients withdrawing funds in favor of investments they perceive to offer greater opportunity or lower risk. The securities markets have been and may continue to be highly volatile and securities prices may increase or decrease for many reasons beyond our control, including economic and political events and acts of terrorism in the United States and abroad. Europe's sovereign debt crisis, the downgrade of US Treasury debt and other adverse global economic and political conditions have subjected the capital markets to significant volatility. The continuation or worsening of these factors could lead to future declines in our assets under management. To the extent we receive fee revenue from assets under management attributable to financial leverage, any reduction in leverage used would adversely affect our assets under management, revenue and net income. Leverage could be reduced due to an adverse change in interest rates, a decrease in the availability of credit on favorable terms or a determination to reduce or eliminate leverage on certain products if we determine the use of leverage is no longer in our clients’ best interests. The continuing weakness in the economy could adversely affect our revenue and net income if it leads to a decreased demand for investment products and services, a higher redemption rate or a decline in securities prices.

Changes in laws, regulations or governmental policies due to the state of the economy could limit the sources and amounts of our revenues, increase our costs of doing business, decrease our profitability and materially and adversely affect our business.

Our business is subject to extensive domestic and international regulation which directly affects our cost of doing business. Industry regulations are designed to protect our clients and investors in our funds and other third parties who deal with us and to ensure the integrity of the financial markets. Most of the regulations to which we are subject are not designed to protect our stockholders. In recent years, governments and regulators have increased interest and oversight of the broad financial and investment management industry. Changes in laws, regulations or rules of self-regulatory organizations or in government policies, and unforeseen developments in litigation targeting the securities generally or us could limit the sources and amounts of our revenues, increase our costs of doing business, decrease our profitability and materially and adversely affect our business. Further, our failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations could result in fines, censure, suspension or barring of personnel, or other sanctions, including revocation of our registration as an investment advisor or broker-dealer.

The soundness of other financial services institutions could adversely affect our earnings.

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. We and the investments we manage may have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including: brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, and other institutions. Many of these transactions expose us or the accounts we manage to credit risk in the event of default of the counterparty.

The asset management business is intensely competitive.

We are subject to competition in all aspects of our business from asset management firms, mutual fund companies, commercial banks and thrift institutions, insurance companies, hedge funds, exchange traded funds, brokerage and investment banking firms, and other financial institutions including multinational firms and subsidiaries of diversified conglomerates.
 
Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources than us and may offer a broader range of financial products and services across more markets. Some financial institutions operate in a more favorable regulatory environment and have proprietary products and distribution channels which may provide certain competitive advantages to them and their investment products. We compete primarily based on the investment performance of the investment portfolios offered, the scope and quality of investment advice and client service. We believe that competition within the investment management industry has and will continue to increase as a result of the state of the economy, the failure of financial institutions and consolidation and acquisition activity. Most of our investment

 
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portfolios have sales or redemption fees, which means that investors may be more willing to invest assets in competing funds without such fees.

If current or potential customers decide to use one of our competitors, we could face a significant decline in market share, assets under management, revenues, and net income. Although we are moving to a more variable cost structure, some of our expenses remain fixed, especially over shorter periods of time, and other expenses may not decrease in proportion to any decrease in revenues.

To the extent we are forced to compete on the basis of price, we may not be able to maintain our current fee structure.

The investment management industry has relatively low barriers to entry and to the extent we are forced to compete on the basis of price, we may not be able to maintain our current fee structure. In recent years, there has been a trend toward lower fees in the investment management industry. In order to maintain our fee structure in a competitive environment, we must be able to continue to provide clients with investment returns and service that make investors willing to pay our fees. In addition, the board of trustees of the Funds managed by Calamos Advisors must make certain findings as to the reasonableness of its fees. We cannot guarantee investment returns and services that will allow us to maintain our current fee structure. Fee reductions on existing or future business could have an adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations.

We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from contracts that may be terminated on short notice.

We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from investment management agreements with the Funds that are generally terminable by the Funds’ board of trustees or a vote of the majority of the Funds’ outstanding voting securities on not more than 60 days’ written notice. After an initial term, each Fund’s investment management agreement must be approved and renewed annually by the independent members of such Fund’s board of trustees and, in certain cases, by its stockholders. These investment management agreements may be terminated or not renewed for any number of reasons, including investment performance, advisory fee rates and financial market performance. Further, we may not be able to replace terminated or non-renewed agreements on favorable terms. The decrease in revenues that could result from any such termination could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Investors in the open-end funds can redeem their investments in these funds at any time without prior notice, which could adversely affect our earnings.

Open-end fund investors may redeem their investments in those funds at any time without prior notice. In a declining stock market, the pace of open-end fund redemptions could accelerate. Poor performance relative to other asset management firms tends to result in decreased purchases and increased redemptions of open-end funds. The redemption of investments in open-end funds managed by Calamos Advisors may adversely affect our revenues, which are substantially dependent upon the assets under management in our open-end funds.

Risks Related to Our Business

The loss of key executives could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are dependent on the efforts of our key executives; in particular: John P. Calamos, Sr., our chairman, chief executive officer and co-chief investment officer, and Nick P. Calamos, our president of investments and co-chief investment officer. These executives have been responsible for determining the strategic direction of our business, are integral to our brand and the positive business reputation we earned and, having overseen the management of all of our investment portfolios and the research teams responsible for each of our portfolio strategies, have been responsible for the historically strong long-term investment performance that allows us to compete successfully. Although we have employment agreements with John P. Calamos, Sr. and Nick P. Calamos, we cannot assure you that they will continue to act in their positions with us. We do not carry “key man” insurance on these key executives and the loss of the services of either executive may have a material adverse effect on our business.


 
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Our ownership structure is not uniformly understood and this may cause investor confusion and missed business opportunities.

Our ownership structure is not uniformly understood within the financial community, including by current and potential investors and clients. Our market capitalization is often listed by reporting agents based only on common shares, which only reflects a percentage of the ownership of our business and does not give consideration to the Calamos Interests ownership in Calamos Investments LLC. As of December 31, 2011, the Calamos Interests owned approximately 78.1% of Calamos Investments LLC as well as all of our Class B common stock. The total consolidated market capitalization of the business, therefore, is often significantly understated. Potential misperceptions by investors and potential clients as to the value of our business may result in missed business opportunities that could have a negative effect on our operating results and stock price.

Future investment performance of our investment strategies could adversely affect our assets under management and expose us to litigation, which reduce earnings.

The relative performance of our investment strategies is critical in retaining existing clients as well as attracting new clients. The performance of our investment strategies can fluctuate for a number of reasons, including general market conditions and our investment decisions. If our strategies do not meet our clients’ and the market’s expectations, we could suffer a decline is assets under management and therefore in our earnings. In contrast, when our strategies experience strong results relative to the market or other asset classes, clients’ allocations to our strategies may increase relative to their other investments and we could suffer withdrawals as our clients rebalance their investments to fit their asset allocation preferences.

While clients do not have legal recourse against us solely on the basis of poor investment results, if our investment strategies perform poorly, we are more likely to become subject to litigation brought by dissatisfied clients. Any such litigation could be expensive and time-consuming, and could divert management resources from the management of our business.

We depend on third-party distribution channels to market our investment products and access our client base.

The potential investor base for open-end funds and separate accounts is limited, and our ability to distribute open-end funds and access clients for separate accounts is highly dependent on access to the retail distribution systems and client bases of national and regional securities firms, banks, insurance companies, defined contribution plan administrators and other intermediaries, which generally offer competing internally and externally managed investment products. For open-end funds, such intermediaries are paid for their services to fund shareholders, in part, through Rule 12b-1 fees and/or upfront commission payments by us, for which we receive Rule 12b-1 payments in the future. Those future payments allow us to pay or help us recover payments to selling firms. Access to such distribution systems and client bases is substantially dependent upon our ability to charge Rule 12b-1 fees to our funds. In addition to the foregoing, we pay some intermediaries supplemental compensation payments for various purposes. Our institutional separate account business depends on referrals from consultants, financial planners and other professional advisors, as well as from our existing clients. We cannot assure you that these channels and client bases will continue to be accessible to us. The inability to have such access could have a material adverse effect on our assets under management and ultimately our earnings.

As of December 31, 2011, a majority of our assets under management were attributable to accounts that we accessed through third-party intermediaries. These intermediaries generally may terminate their relationships with us on short notice. While we continue to diversify and add new distribution channels for open-end funds and managed accounts and a significant portion of the growth in our assets under management in recent years has been accessed through intermediaries, there has been a consolidation of and elimination of some financial service companies in recent years. The loss of any of the distribution channels afforded by these intermediaries, and the inability to access clients through new distribution channels could decrease our assets under management and adversely affect our results of operations and growth potential.

We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from a limited number of our products.

As of December 31, 2011, 22% and 13% of our assets under management were concentrated in two Calamos sponsored funds and 29% and 14% of our total revenues were attributable to those funds. As a result, our operating results are particularly exposed to the performance of those funds and our ability to minimize redemptions from and maintain assets under management in those funds. If a significant amount of investments are withdrawn from those funds for any reason, our revenues would decline and our operating results would be adversely affected. Further, given the size and prominence of those funds within our Company, the performance of those funds may also indirectly affect the net purchases and redemptions in our other products, which in turn may negatively affect our operating results.

 
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We are dependent on Calamos Investments LLC to distribute cash to us in amounts sufficient to pay our tax liabilities and other expenses.

Our ownership in Calamos Investments LLC is our primary asset and we have limited independent means of generating revenues. Calamos Investments LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, is not itself subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, its taxable income is allocated on a pro rata basis to its members. Accordingly, we incur income taxes on our proportionate share of any net taxable income of Calamos Investments LLC, and also incur expenses related to our operations. As the sole manager, we caused and in the future intend to cause Calamos Investments LLC to distribute cash to its members to the extent necessary to cover their tax liabilities, if any. If Calamos Investments LLC is unable to provide funds for such taxes or for any other purpose, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We intend to pay regular dividends to our stockholders, but our ability to do so is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and may be limited by our holding company structure and any applicable laws.

To date, we have paid a cash dividend each quarter and intend to continue to pay dividends on a quarterly basis. However, in the past we have reduced our dividend due to the effect of market conditions on our business. Our board of directors has and in the future may, in its discretion, increase or decrease the level of dividends. Further, our board of directors has discretion to discontinue the payment of dividends entirely. The ability of Calamos Investments LLC to make distributions is subject to its: operating results, cash requirements, financial condition, and compliance with covenants and financial ratios related to existing or future indebtedness, as well as any applicable laws. If, as a consequence of these various limitations and restrictions, we are unable to generate sufficient distributions from our business, we may need to reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends on our shares.

The inability for Calamos Investments LLC to maintain compliance with its financial covenants could have a material adverse effect on our Company.

Calamos Investments LLC currently has $92.1 million of aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes outstanding. Note purchase agreements between Calamos Investments LLC and its note holders govern the terms of the unsecured notes. Under these agreements, Calamos Investments LLC must maintain certain consolidated net worth, leverage and interest coverage ratios. The note purchase agreements also contain other covenants that, among other provisions, restrict the ability of Calamos Investments LLC’s subsidiaries to incur debt and restrict the ability of Calamos Investments LLC or its subsidiaries to make distributions, create liens and to merge or to consolidate, or sell or convey all or substantially all of Calamos Investments LLC’s assets. The inability of Calamos Investments LLC to maintain compliance with any of its financial covenants could lead to an event of default and result in various remedies to the note holders including the acceleration of all the notes outstanding and the payment of a make whole amount. In such an event, our liquidity and results from operations would be negatively impacted.

Significant changes in market conditions and the economy may require a modification to our business plan.

Our revenues are primarily driven by assets under management and declines in the financial markets will directly and negatively affect our investment advisory fee revenues as well as our non-operating income and net income. As such, significant changes in market conditions and the economy may require a modification to our business plan. Modification to our business plan may include: the reopening or elimination of product offerings, programs or efforts; realignment of sales and marketing resources to adapt to changing market demand and the changing competitive landscape; and the implementation of expense control measures, inclusive of staff reductions, to streamline our infrastructure and reduce capital expenditures. Independent of market conditions, we also may modify our business plan which may not be successful, affecting our revenues and net income.

A change of control of our Company would automatically terminate our investment management agreements with our clients, unless our separate account clients consent and, in the case of fund clients, the funds’ boards of trustees and shareholders voted to continue the agreements. A change of control could also prevent us for a two-year period from increasing the investment advisory fees we are able to charge our mutual fund clients.

Under the Investment Company Act, an investment management agreement with a fund must provide for its automatic termination in the event of its assignment. The fund’s board and shareholders must vote to continue the agreement following its assignment, the cost of which ordinarily would be borne by us.

 
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Under the Investment Advisers Act, a client’s investment management agreement may not be “assigned” by the investment advisor without the client’s consent. An investment management agreement is considered under both acts to be assigned to another party when a controlling block of the advisor’s securities is transferred. In our case, an assignment of our investment management agreements may occur if, among other things, we sell or issue a certain number of additional common shares in the future. We cannot be certain that our clients will consent to assignments of our investment management agreements or approve new agreements with us if a change of control occurs. Under the Investment Company Act, if a fund’s investment advisor engages in a transaction that results in the assignment of its investment management agreement with the fund, the advisor may not impose an “unfair burden” on that fund as a result of the transaction for a two-year period after the transaction is completed. The term “unfair burden” has been interpreted to include certain increases in investment advisory fees. This restriction may discourage potential purchasers from acquiring a controlling interest in our Company.

We require specialized technology to operate our business and would be adversely affected if this technology became inoperative or obsolete.

Our business is dependent on highly specialized technology to support our business functions, including: securities analysis, securities trading, portfolio management, customer service, accounting and internal financial processes and controls and regulatory compliance and reporting.

All of our technology systems may be vulnerable to disability or failures due to hacking, viruses, natural disasters, power failures, acts of war or terrorism, and other causes. Some of our software is licensed from and supported by outside vendors upon whom we rely to prevent operating system failure. A suspension or termination of these licenses or the related support, upgrades and maintenance could cause system delays or interruption. Also, our back office operations have been outsourced to third-party service providers who rely on technology systems as well. If these service providers or any of these systems fail, we would be unable to fulfill critical business functions, which could lead to a loss of customers and harm to our reputation. Technological breakdowns could also interfere with our ability to comply with financial reporting and other regulatory requirements, exposing us to disciplinary action and to liability to our customers.

In addition, our continued success depends on our ability to adopt new or adapt existing technologies to meet client, industry and regulatory demands. We might be required to make significant capital expenditures to maintain competitive technology. If we are unable to upgrade our technology in a timely fashion, we might lose customers and fail to maintain regulatory compliance, which could affect our results of operations and severely damage our reputation.

Damage to our reputation could adversely affect our business.

We have developed our reputation through excellent client services, strong long-term risk-adjusted investment performance, comprehensive product offerings, superior distribution and a stalwart brand image. The Calamos name and brand are valuable assets and any damage to either could hamper our ability to attract and retain clients and employees, thereby having a material adverse effect on our revenues and net income. Risks to our reputation may include conflicts of interest, employee misconduct, litigation, regulatory issues and unsubstantiated accusations. Managing such matters may be expensive, time-consuming and difficult.

Improper disclosure of personal data could result in liability and harm our reputation.
 
We and our service providers store and process personal client information. Despite having implemented what we believe are appropriate security controls, training, and policies and procedures, these efforts may not prevent the improper disclosure of client information. Such disclosure could harm our reputation as well and subject us to liability, resulting in increased costs or loss of revenue.
 
Failure to comply with investment guidelines or instructions by our clients could result in damage awards which could adversely affect our business.

Our clients typically specify the investment guidelines or strategy, or provide instructions on the management of their portfolios that we are required to follow. We are required to invest Fund assets in accordance with limitations under the Investment Company Act and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. We are also required to invest Calamos Global Fund assets in accordance with limitations under UCITS directives, various notices, guidance and policy statements adopted by the Republic of Ireland and the Irish Central Bank. Our failure to comply with these guidelines, limitations or instructions could result in losses to a client or an investor in a fund which, depending on the circumstances, could result in clients or fund investors: being made

 
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whole for such losses; seeking damages from us; or terminating their investment management agreements. Any of these events could harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our earnings.

The disparity in the voting rights among the classes of shares may have a potential adverse effect on the price of our Class A common stock.

Shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock entitle the respective holders to identical rights, except that each share of our Class A common stock entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders generally while each share of Class B common stock entitles its holder to a greater number of votes. The difference in voting rights could adversely affect the value of our Class A common stock to the extent that investors view, or any potential future purchaser of our Company views, the superior voting rights of the Class B common stock to be detrimental to the value of the Class A common stock.

Future sales of our Class A common stock in the public market could lower our stock price, and any additional capital raised by us through the sale of equity or convertible securities may dilute our stockholders’ ownership in us.

We may sell additional shares of Class A common stock in subsequent public offerings or issue convertible debt securities. The Calamos Interests own approximately 78.1% of Calamos Investments LLC as of December 31, 2011, and can exchange all or portions of their ownership interests in Calamos Investments LLC for shares of our Class A common stock. Subject to certain selling restrictions, the Calamos Interests could sell any or all of those shares in a registered public offering pursuant to a registration rights agreement. We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our Class A common stock or the effect, if any, on the market price of our Class A common stock. Sales or distributions of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock (including shares issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline.

Control by Calamos family members of a majority of the combined voting power of our common stock.

As of December 31, 2011, the Calamos Interests owned approximately 78.1% of Calamos Investments LLC and all of our Class B common stock, representing more than 97.5% of the combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock. Pursuant to the terms of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, Calamos Family Partners, Inc. retains a majority of the combined voting power of our common stock until its ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC falls below 15%, at which time all outstanding shares of our Class B common stock automatically will convert into shares of our Class A common stock. Accordingly, as long as Calamos Family Partners, Inc. maintains the requisite ownership interests in our common stock and in Calamos Investments LLC, it will continue to have the ability to elect all of the members of our board of directors and thereby control our management and affairs, including determinations with respect to acquisitions, dispositions, borrowings, issuances of common stock or other securities, and the declaration and payment of dividends on our common stock. In addition, it will continue to be able to determine the outcome of all matters requiring stockholder approval on a combined class vote basis, and will continue to be able to cause or prevent a change of control of our Company or a change in the composition of our board of directors. The concentration of ownership could deprive Class A stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of our Company and might ultimately negatively affect the market price of our Class A common stock. Despite this control, each of our agreements entered into with Calamos Family Partners, Inc. and its affiliates since our initial public offering have been approved in accordance with the Conflict of Interests Policy contained in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Our investment income may be negatively affected by fluctuation in our corporate investment portfolio resulting in a material adverse effect on our Company.

A substantial portion of our assets are invested in Calamos products which are subject to market risk. Fluctuations in investment income are expected to occur in the future but to a lesser magnitude with the use of derivatives. Tangentially, our capital loss carryforwards resulting from losses generated from the sale of investment securities provide deferred tax assets, which are intangible assets with realization dependent on our ability to generate capital gains from securities owned within our corporate investment portfolio. If market conditions deteriorate and securities valuations are depressed for prolonged periods of time, the recoverability of these deferred tax assets may be adversely affected and become impaired. In 2011, we recorded a valuation allowance of $5.2 million, to reduce our deferred income tax assets relating to our tax loss carryforwards. The occurrence of a future impairment may require additional material charges to our earnings.

 
20

 


Insurance coverage may be inadequate or not cover legal and regulatory proceedings.

In addition to civil litigation and arbitration, we are subject to regulatory inquiries and examinations which could result in substantial penalties and awards against us if the outcome is adverse. These types of proceedings have increased in the financial services industry and there does not appear to be any immediate reversal. We maintain insurance coverage in amounts and terms we believe appropriate for such matters although we cannot be certain that there will be adequate coverage, if at all; nor can we be certain that coverage will always be available. Finally, insurance premiums may rise for substantially the same coverage amounts and terms which will result in higher expenses and reduce our net income.

Expansion into international markets may increase operational, regulatory and other risks.

As we increase our international presence and expand our product offerings and international business activities, we face increased operational, regulatory, compliance, reputation and foreign exchange rate risks. The failure of our Company’s systems of internal control to properly mitigate such additional risks, or of our operating infrastructure to support such international expansion could result in operational failures and regulatory fines or sanctions.

Local regulatory environments may vary widely and place additional demands on our sales, legal and compliance personnel. Identifying and hiring well-qualified personnel and adopting policies, procedures and controls to address local or regional requirements require time and resources. Regulators in non-U.S. jurisdictions could also change their policies or laws in a manner that might restrict or otherwise impede our ability to offer our investment strategies in their respective markets. Any of these local requirements, activities, or needs could increase the costs and expenses we incur in a specific jurisdiction without any corresponding increase in revenues and income from operating in the jurisdiction.

Our ability to operate our Company effectively could be impaired if we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel.

Our investment management business depends on the expertise of our personnel and their ability to work together as an effective team. Our future success depends, to a substantial degree, on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. Competition for employees with the necessary qualifications is intense and we may not be successful in our efforts to recruit and retain the required personnel. We cannot guarantee that our compensation methods will allow us to recruit and retain the required personnel we need. We may be required to increase compensation, which would decrease our net income. The inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel could affect our ability to provide an acceptable level of service to our existing or future clients, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Catastrophic and unpredictable events could have a material adverse effect on our business.

A terrorist attack, war, power failure, cyber-attack, natural disaster, significant adverse climate change or other catastrophic or unpredictable event could adversely affect our future revenues, expenses and earnings by: interrupting our normal business operations; sustaining employee casualties, including loss of our key executives; requiring substantial expenditures and expenses to repair, replace and restore normal business operations; and reducing investor confidence.

We have a disaster recovery plan to address catastrophic and unpredictable events but we cannot be assured that this plan will be sufficient in responding to or ameliorating the effects of all disaster scenarios. If our employees or vendors that we rely upon for support in a catastrophic event are unable to respond adequately or in a timely manner, we may lose clients resulting in a decrease in assets under management with a material adverse effect on revenues and net income.
 
Changes in tax laws and regulations as well as exposure to additional income tax liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are subject to income taxes as well as non-income based taxes in both the United States and the United Kingdom. As such we are subject to ongoing tax audits and the tax authorities may disagree with certain positions taken and assess additional taxes. We regularly evaluate the likely outcomes of these audits in order to determine the appropriateness of our tax provision and the related valuations of our deferred income tax assets. However, there can be no guarantee that we will accurately predict the outcomes of these audits which could have a material adverse impact on our net income, financial condition or liquidity. Changes in tax laws or tax rulings could materially impact our effective tax rate and the related valuations of our deferred income tax assets. Calamos Investments LLC made an election under section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (a “section 754 election”). As a result of the section 754 election, Calamos Investments LLC increased our Company’s proportionate share of the tax basis of the assets of Calamos Investments LLC to reflect the purchase price paid by our Company for its interest in Calamos Investments LLC. The Internal Revenue Service completed its audit of Calamos Investments LLC for its 2004 through 2006 tax years and has proposed certain adjustments not related to the section 754 election. We anticipate that this audit and the 2004 through 2006 tax years will ultimately be closed without an adjustment to the 754 election.


 
21

 


ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our principal executive offices are located at 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563, where we occupy approximately 153,000 square feet of space under lease agreements with subsidiaries of Calamos Property Holdings LLC, which is owned by the stockholders of Calamos Family Partners, Inc. We have approximately 58,000 square feet of additional office space at different locations in Naperville, Illinois under separate lease agreements with subsidiaries of Calamos Property Holdings LLC.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As previously reported, the Company and Calamos Advisors LLC, an indirect subsidiary, were named as defendants in a class action complaint filed on July 15, 2010 (Christopher Brown et al. v John P. Calamos, Sr. et al., No. 10-CV-04422 (N.D. Ill.)) by a putative common shareholder of the Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund (CHI). This action was voluntarily dismissed by plaintiff in the U.S. District Court and re-filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois on September 13, 2010 (Christopher Brown et al. v John P. Calamos, Sr. et al., Civil Action No. 10CH39590). Other defendants include CHI, current and former trustees of CHI, John P. Calamos, Sr., Weston W. Marsh, John E. Neal, William R. Rybak, Stephen B. Timbers, David D. Tripple, Joe F. Hanauer, and unspecified defendants John and Jane Does 1-100. The plaintiff alleges that the Company and Calamos Advisors aided and abetted the individual defendants' alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and were unjustly enriched in connection with the redemption of auction rate preferred securities of CHI. As to the Company and Calamos Advisors, the plaintiff is seeking: (i) declaratory judgments that the Company and Calamos Advisors aided and abetted the individual defendants' alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and were unjustly enriched; (ii) an injunction against the Company and Calamos Advisors serving as advisor or otherwise earning fees for services to CHI; (iii) an unspecified amount of monetary relief plus interest; (iv) an award of attorney's fees and expenses; and (v) such other and further relief, including punitive damages, as may be available to the plaintiff and the class that plaintiff seeks to represent. On October 13, 2010, the defendants removed this action from the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Christopher Brown et al. v John P. Calamos, Sr. et al., No. 10-CV-06558 (N.D. Ill.)) and also moved to dismiss the complaint. On November 5, 2010, plaintiff moved to remand the case to the Circuit Court of Cook County. On March 14, 2011, the district court denied plaintiff's motion to remand and dismissed the case. Plaintiff appealed that ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and on November 10, 2011 the Seventh Circuit issued a decision affirming the dismissal of the case entered by the lower court. Plaintiff received an extension up to and including March 9, 2012 to file a petition for a writ of certiorari in the United States Supreme Court.

The Company and Calamos Advisors LLC were named as defendants in a class action complaint filed on September 14, 2010 (Russell Bourrienne et al. v John P. Calamos, Sr. et al., No. 10-CV-5833 (N.D. Ill.)) by a putative common shareholder of the Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund (CHI). This action was voluntarily dismissed by plaintiff in the U.S. District Court and re-filed in Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois on October 18, 2010 (Russell Bourrienne et al. v John P. Calamos, Sr. et al., No. 10CH45119 ). Other defendants include current and former trustees of CHI, John P. Calamos, Sr., Weston W. Marsh, John E. Neal, William R. Rybak, Stephen B. Timbers, David D. Tripple, Joe F. Hanauer and unspecified defendants John and Jane Does 1-100. The plaintiff alleges that the Company and Calamos Advisors aided and abetted the individual defendants' alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and were unjustly enriched in connection with the redemption of auction rate preferred securities of CHI. As to the Company and Calamos Advisors, the plaintiff is seeking: (i) declaratory judgments that the Company and Calamos Advisors aided and abetted the individual defendants' alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and were unjustly enriched; (ii) an injunction against serving as advisor or otherwise earning fees for services to CHI; (iii) an unspecified amount of monetary relief plus interest; (iv) an award of attorney's fees and expenses; and (v) such other and further relief, including punitive damages, as may be available to the plaintiff and the class that plaintiff seeks to represent. On November 12, 2010, the defendants removed this action from the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Russell Bourrienne et al. v John P. Calamos, Sr. et al., No. 10-CV-07295 (N.D. Ill.)). Defendants moved to dismiss the complaint, and on August 4, 2011, the U.S. District Court granted defendant's motion. Plaintiff appealed that ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and on December 7, 2011, the Seventh Circuit issued an order dismissing the appeal pursuant to the parties’ stipulation of dismissal.

 
22

 


 
The Company and Calamos Advisors LLC were named as defendants in a class action complaint filed on August 13, 2010 (Rutgers Casualty Insurance Company et al. v John P. Calamos, Sr. et al., No. 10-CV-5106 (N.D. Ill.)) by a putative common shareholder of the Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund (CHY). This action was voluntarily dismissed by plaintiff in the U.S. District Court and re-filed in Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois on December 22, 2010 (Rutgers Casualty Insurance Company et al. v John P. Calamos, Sr. et al., No. 10CH53998). Other defendants include CHY, current and former trustees of CHY, John P. Calamos, Sr., Nick P. Calamos, Weston W. Marsh, John E. Neal, William R. Rybak, Stephen B. Timbers, David D. Tripple, Joe F. Hanauer and unspecified defendants John and Jane Does 1-100. The plaintiff alleges that the Company and Calamos Advisors aided and abetted the individual defendants' alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and were unjustly enriched in connection with the redemption of auction rate preferred securities of CHY. As to the Company and Calamos Advisors, the plaintiff is seeking: (i) declaratory judgments that the Company and Calamos Advisors aided and abetted the individual defendants' alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and were unjustly enriched; (ii) an injunction against serving as advisor or otherwise earning fees for services to CHY; (iii) an unspecified amount of monetary relief plus interest; (iv) an award of attorney's fees and expenses; and (v) such other and further relief, including punitive damages, as may be available to the plaintiff and the class that plaintiff seeks to represent. On January 21, 2011, the defendants removed this action from the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Rutgers Casualty Insurance Company et al. v John P. Calamos, Sr. et al., No. 11-CV-00462 (N.D. Ill.)). Defendants have also moved to dismiss the complaint, and plaintiff has moved to remand the case to the Circuit Court of Cook County. The case is currently awaiting decision of those motions.

The Company and Calamos Advisors believe that these lawsuits are without merit and intend to defend themselves vigorously against these allegations.

In the normal course of business, we may be party to various legal proceedings from time to time. Currently, there are no other legal proceedings that management believes would have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

 
23

 
 
 
PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our Class A common stock ($0.01 par value) trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CLMS.” There is no public market for our Class B common stock ($0.01 par value).

The high and low trade price information for Class A common stock and dividends per share for each class of common stock for 2011 and 2010 were:

   
Market Price Range
 
Cash Dividends
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
per Share
   
   
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
2011
 
2010
   
                             
First Quarter
  $
17.41
13.71
  $
15.33
  $
11.55
  $
0.095
  $
0.075
   
Second Quarter
  $
17.31
13.14
  $
14.82
  $
8.64
  $
0.095
  $
0.075
   
Third Quarter
  $
15.36
9.61
 $
11.91
  $
8.45
  $
0.095
  $
0.075
   
Fourth Quarter
  $
13.59
9.40
  $
14.26
  $
11.01
  $
0.095
  $
0.075
   

 
On March 1, 2012, there were approximately 60 holders of record of our outstanding Class A common stock and one holder of record of our outstanding Class B common stock. Shares of our Class A common stock are primarily held in “street name” through various brokers.

Calamos Asset Management, Inc. expects to declare and pay quarterly cash dividends during 2012.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes information as of December 31, 2011, relating to equity compensation plans of the Company pursuant to which shares of our Class A common stock are authorized for issuance:

   
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
 
Plan Category
 
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
 
                   
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders:
                 
Stock options
    2,345,063     $ 23.28       N/A (1)
Restricted stock units
    1,818,737             N/A (1)
                         
Equity compensation plans not approved
by security holders
                 
Total
    4,163,800     $ 13.11       4,709,443 (1)
________________
 
(1)  
A combined total of 10,000,000 shares of Calamos Asset Management, Inc.’s Class A common stock may be issued under its incentive compensation plan. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, 184,440 shares, 273,734 shares and 170,896 shares, respectively, were converted.

 
24

 


 
The following graph compares the percentage change in cumulative shareholder return on our Company’s common stock with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and SNL Asset Manager Index since December 31, 2006 (assuming a $100 investment on December 31, 2006, and the reinvestment of any dividends).

 
 
 
                                     
   
Period Ending
 
Index
 
12/31/06
   
12/31/07
   
12/31/08
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/11
 
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
    100.00       112.82       28.72       45.74       56.98       52.35  
SNL Asset Manager
    100.00       113.83       54.10       87.76       101.02       87.38  
S&P 500
    100.00       105.49       66.46       84.05       96.71       98.76  

Other Information

Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (CAM) is comprised of two groups of assets: a) CAM’s 21.9% ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC and b) assets other than its interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Other Assets). Because CAM controls the operations of Calamos Investments LLC, CAM presents the entire operations of Calamos Investments LLC with its own in the consolidated financial statements. The Calamos Interests’ 78.1% ownership in Calamos Investments LLC is presented as non-controlling interest in the consolidated financial statements. Prior to March 1, 2009, in addition to the approximately 20 million outstanding Class A common shares, we added 77 million shares to reflect Calamos Interests’ ownership in Calamos Investments LLC. The resulting share count provided a reasonable proxy for the number of shares used in determining the market capitalization of the fully consolidated company.

During 2009, the ownership structure of Calamos Investments LLC was de-unitized and as a result, Calamos Interests’ ownership in Calamos Investments LLC is no longer reflected in the diluted share count presented in CAM’s financial statements. Therefore, the determination of the market capitalization of the fully consolidated business cannot be easily determined by the product of share price and weighted average number of shares. There is a divergence within the financial community on how to calculate CAM’s market capitalization with some basing it solely on the outstanding share count of CAM’s Class A common stock and others grossing-up CAM’s outstanding Class A shares by its 21.9% ownership in Calamos Investments LLC. The following illustration and accompanying table highlight the uniqueness of CAM’s ownership structure in determining the fully consolidated market capitalization. This illustration is based on the closing price of CAM’s Class A common stock of $12.51 on December 31, 2011.

 
25

 

 
Other Assets as of December 31, 2011, included cash and cash equivalents, current income tax receivables and an intercompany receivable with a combined book value of $57.0 million, which approximates fair value, as well as net deferred tax assets with a book value of $65.5 million. The most significant deferred tax asset relates to an election made under section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code following CAM’s initial public offering that expires in 2019, which allows CAM to reduce future income tax payments by $7.9 million annually. The net present value of the net deferred tax assets is $43.1 million if a hypothetical 12% discount rate were applied over the remaining life of the assets. Using this assumption, Other Assets would collectively have a discounted present value of $100.0 million, or $4.97 per share. Assuming CAM’s stock price fully reflects the Other Assets’ discounted present value of $4.97 per share, it can be inferred that CAM’s remaining stock price of $7.54 ($12.51 - $4.97) would be attributable to CAM’s 21.9% ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC. With these assumptions, the market capitalization associated with CAM’s ownership in Calamos Investments LLC can be estimated by multiplying the CAM’s share price attributable to Calamos Investments LLC ($7.54) by the number of CAM’s Class A common shares outstanding (20.1 million) to yield an estimated market capitalization of $151.8 million as of December 31, 2011. This result, however, must be divided by CAM’s 21.9% ownership of Calamos Investments LLC to determine the total implied market capitalization of Calamos Investments LLC of $694.2 million. Adding the discounted present value of CAM’s Other Assets to the market capitalization of Calamos Investments LLC indicates that the fully consolidated market capitalization of CAM would be estimated at $794.2 million as of December 31, 2011.

The above example assumes that CAM’s stock price reflects the entire discounted present value of the Other Assets. If, however, no value were ascribed to the Other Assets, the fully consolidated market capitalization of CAM would be estimated at $1.2 billion as presented in the table below.

The following calculation summarizes CAM’s fully consolidated market capitalization both including and excluding the discounted present value of assets owned exclusively by CAM, which does not take into consideration premiums or discounts for control or marketability:
 
   
No Recognition of CAM's
Other Assets
 
Full Recognition of CAM's
Other Assets
(in thousands, except share data) (1)
 
Ownership in Calamos Investments LLC
 
Other
Assets
 
Ownership in Calamos Investments LLC
 
Other
Assets
Divide:
               
Discounted value of CAM's Other Assets
     
-
      $
100,008
Class A shares outstanding at December 31, 2011
     
20,126,757
     
20,126,757
Discounted value per share of CAM's
Other Assets
     
-
      $
4.97
                 
Multiply:
               
Share price attributed to assets
  $
12.51
 
-
  $
7.54
  $
4.97
Class A shares outstanding at December 31, 2011
 
20,126,757
 
20,126,757
 
20,126,757
 
20,126,757
Market capitalization of outstanding shares
  $
251,785
 
-
  $
151,777
  $
100,008
                 
Divide by:
               
CAM’s percentage ownership
 
21.86%
 
100%
 
21.86%
 
100%
Market capitalization associated with CAM's assets
  $
1,151,647
  $
694,217
  $
100,008
Fully consolidated market capitalization
  $
1,151,647
  $
794,225

 
 
26

 

Similarly, our Board of Directors may be required to determine the fair values of CAM’s assets. This requirement would be necessitated should the Calamos Interests choose to exchange their ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC for shares of CAM’s Class A common stock (the Exchange). Effective March 1, 2009, the Exchange provisions as set forth in CAM’s Schedule 14C filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 12, 2009 require that the Exchange be based on a fair value approach. Assuming that our Board of Directors used the market price of CAM’s Class A share common stock as the basis for determining fair value, the following table presents a likely range of the number of CAM shares of Class A common stock that the Calamos Interests would have received upon Exchange at December 31, 2011:

(in thousands, except share data) (1)
 
No Recognition of CAM's
Other Assets
 
Full Recognition of CAM's
Other Assets
 
             
Market capitalization associated with CAM's investment in Calamos Investments (see table above)
  $ 1,151,647     $ 694,217  
                 
Multiply by:
               
Calamos Interests ownership in Calamos Investments LLC
    78.14 %     78.14 %
Calamos Interests’ value exchanged for Class A common stock
  $ 899,861     $ 542,440  
                 
Divide by:
               
Share price of CAM Class A common stock
  $ 12.51     $ 12.51  
Shares issued to the Calamos Interests upon Exchange
    71,931,712       43,360,855  

(1)  
The ownership percentages and share prices presented in the tables have been approximated for presentation purposes yet the values presented are derived from the precise ownership percentages and share prices.

 
27

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 

The selected financial data presented below has been derived in part from, and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this Form 10-K.
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
(in thousands, except share data)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                               
Income Statement Data:
                             
Revenues
                             
Investment management fees                                                  
  $ 266,553     $ 238,308     $ 200,790     $ 274,174     $ 325,395  
Distribution and underwriting fees
    82,539       84,753       78,430       114,023       143,994  
Other                                                  
    3,229       2,978       2,518       3,392       4,088  
Total revenues                                               
    352,321       326,039       281,738       391,589       473,477  
Operating expenses
                                       
Employee compensation and benefits
    80,160       75,292       67,413       74,483       91,039  
Distribution expenses                                                  
    68,981       66,493       59,491       84,884       104,227  
Amortization of deferred sales
commissions                                                
    6,529       9,206       12,201       23,417       27,249  
Marketing and sales promotion                                                  
    17,107       13,775       10,762       11,908       40,833  
General and administrative                                                  
    39,195       34,772       33,813       37,800       37,036  
Total operating expenses                                               
    211,972       199,538       183,680       232,492       300,384  
Operating income                                            
    140,349       126,501       98,058       159,097       173,093  
Non-operating income (loss)                                                    
    16,059       21,662       (4,910 )     (364,055 )     31,499  
Income (loss) before income tax provision (benefit)
    156,408       148,163       93,148       (204,958 )     204,592  
Income tax provision (benefit)                                                    
    18,497       12,375       7,879       (3,787 )     18,666  
Net income (loss)                                                
    137,911       135,788       85,269       (201,171 )     185,926  
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling
interest in Calamos Investments LLC
    (122,501 )     (115,788 )     (72,509 )     104,494       (156,583 )
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling
interest in partnership investments
    460       (72 )     (336 )     72,156       (1,598 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Calamos
Asset Management, Inc.                                              
  $ 15,870     $ 19,928     $ 12,424     $ (24,521 )   $ 27,745  
                                         
Earnings (loss) per share:
                                       
Basic                                                
  $ 0.79     $ 1.00     $ 0.63     $ (1.24 )   $ 1.24  
Diluted (1)                                                
  $ 0.77     $ 0.99     $ 0.62     $ (1.24 )   $ 1.22  
                                         
Weighted average shares outstanding
                                       
Basic                                                
    20,103,758       19,884,847       19,626,233       19,752,972       22,297,170  
Diluted (1)                                                
    20,611,909       20,187,992       19,954,124       97,449,228       99,760,872  
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 0.38     $ 0.30     $ 0.22     $ 0.385     $ 0.44  

 

 

 
28

 


   
As of December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                               
Balance Sheet Data (in thousands):
                             
Cash and cash equivalents                                                 
  $ 102,166     $ 82,870     $ 145,431     $ 59,425     $ 108,441  
Investment securities (2)                                                 
    318,496       314,215       207,886       173,155       535,476  
Partnership investments, net (2)
    33,056       41,678       37,549       28,471       353,004  
Total assets                                                 
    581,858       589,246       557,078       475,873       1,217,672  
Long-term debt, including current portion
    92,115       125,000       125,000       125,000       525,000  
Total liabilities                                                 
    154,064       185,854       177,252       164,826       602,553  
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
stockholders’ equity                                               
    186,592       183,016       165,314       150,773       213,737  
Non-controlling interests                                                 
    241,202       220,376       214,512       160,274       401,382  
Total stockholders’ equity                                                
    427,794       403,392       379,826       311,047       615,119  
Assets Under Management (in millions):
                                       
Funds                                                 
    25,045       27,352       24,480       17,498       34,835  
Separate accounts                                                 
    7,732       8,062       8,234       6,542       11,373  
Total assets under management
  $ 32,777     $ 35,414     $ 32,714     $ 24,040     $ 46,208  
________________________________
 
(1)
Diluted shares outstanding for the periods 2008 and 2007 are calculated (a) assuming the Calamos Interests exchanged all of their membership units in Calamos Investments LLC for shares of Calamos Asset Management, Inc.’s Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis and (b) including the effect of outstanding restricted stock unit and options awards. Because the Company generated a loss in 2008, diluted per share results equal basic per share results as the economic impact of the Calamos Interest’s exchange and effect for the stock based compensation results in anti-dilution. In 2009, the ownership structure was de-unitized and the exchange, described above, is now based on a fair value approach which results in the same or fewer shares of Class A common stock being issued at the time of exchange. The effects of the exchange are anti-dilutive and are therefore excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding for 2011, 2010 and 2009.
 
(2)
In 2007, we established Calamos Global Funds PLC, also referred to as Offshore Funds. As of December 31, 2007, the Company wholly-owned the Offshore Funds, which were consolidated with the Company’s results and reported within partnership investments, net. In December 2008, the Company sold a portion of its investment in the Offshore Funds that required the Company to de-consolidate the offshore funds from its results as it was no longer the majority owner. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2008, the Company began recording its investment in Offshore Funds at the net asset value of its investment and classified this investment as an available-for-sale security in investment securities in the consolidated statement of financial condition.
 

 
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 

We provide investment advisory services to institutions and individuals, managing $32.8 billion in client assets as of December 31, 2011 through a variety of investment products designed to suit their investment needs.
 
 
Assets Under Management

Our operating results fluctuate primarily due to changes in the total value and composition of our assets under management and with our ability to manage variable expenses. The following table details our assets under management, based on the four types of investment product types we offer in the Funds and separate account categories, as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

(in millions)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Funds
                 
Open-end funds
  $ 19,785     $ 22,049     $ 19,531  
Closed-end funds
    5,260       5,303       4,949  
Total Funds
    25,045       27,352       24,480  
                         
Separate Accounts
                       
Institutional accounts
    5,505       5,559       4,619  
Managed accounts
    2,227       2,503       3,615  
Total separate accounts
    7,732       8,062       8,234  
                         
Total assets under management
  $ 32,777     $ 35,414     $ 32,714  

In order to increase our assets under management and expand our business, we must develop and market investment products and strategies that suit the investment needs of our target clients — investors seeking superior, risk-adjusted returns over the long-term. The value and composition of our assets under management and our ability to continue to attract and retain clients will depend on a variety of factors, including, among others:
     
 
purchases and redemptions of shares of the open-end funds and other investment products;
   
 
the amount of distributed and reinvested capital gains and income;
     
 
fluctuations in the global financial markets and the valuations of securities that result in appreciation or depreciation of assets;
     
 
the use of leverage within the closed-end funds;
     
 
our ability to educate our target clients about our investment philosophy and provide them with best-in-class service;
   
 
the relative investment performance and volatility of our investment products as compared to competing offerings and
market indices;
   
 
competitive conditions in the asset management and broader financial services sectors;
   
 
investor sentiment and confidence; and
   
 
our introduction of new investment strategies and products, and our decision to close strategies when deemed in the best interests of our clients.


 
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Investment Products
 
Funds

Funds include our open-end and closed-end funds, which are commingled investment vehicles registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (Investment Company Act) as well as our Dublin, Ireland-domiciled Calamos Global Funds PLC, also referred to as Offshore Funds.
 
Open-End Funds. Open-end funds are continually offered and are not listed on an exchange. Open-end funds issue new shares for purchase and redeem shares from those shareholders who sell. The share price for purchases and redemptions of open-end funds is determined by each fund’s net asset value, which is calculated at the end of each business day. Assets under management in open-end funds vary as a result of both market appreciation and depreciation and the level of new purchases or redemptions of shares of a fund. Investment management fees, including performance-based fees, are our principal source of revenue from open-end funds and are primarily derived from assets under management. We offer several share classes in each open-end fund to provide investors with alternatives to pay for commissions, distribution and service fees.

Closed-End Funds. Closed-end funds typically sell a finite number of shares to investors through underwritten public offerings. After the public offerings, investors buy closed-end fund shares from, and sell those shares to, other investors through an exchange or broker-dealer market. All of the closed-end funds that we manage currently use leverage which increases their total assets. Assets under management in closed-end funds vary due to the amount of assets raised in underwritten public offerings, the amount of leverage utilized and market appreciation or depreciation. Our revenues from closed-end funds are derived from the investment management fees on the assets that we manage. In addition, in a typical underwritten public offering, investors are charged a commission by the selling firms. We do not receive or pay commissions in connection with sales of closed-end fund shares, although we may pay asset-based distribution and service fees, as well as one-time distribution and service fees to underwriters for underwriting public offerings of closed-end funds.

Separate Accounts

Separate accounts include institutional accounts and managed accounts for high net worth investors. Fund flows into and out of such accounts, which we refer to as purchases and redemptions, affect our level of assets under management. Assets under management from these accounts also vary as a result of market appreciation and depreciation. Our revenues from separate accounts are derived from investment management fees that we charge, including performance-based fees where applicable. Provided below is a brief differentiation of these accounts:
     
 
• 
Institutional accounts are separately managed accounts for institutional investors, such as public and private pension funds, public funds, endowment funds and private investment funds. Institutional accounts also include sub-advised portfolios, such as registered investment companies, where we act as investment advisor but for which we have limited or no distribution responsibilities. Institutional accounts are typically offered directly by us through institutional consultants and through national and regional broker-dealers.
   
 
• 
Managed accounts are separately managed accounts for high net worth investors offered primarily through national and regional broker-dealers.


 
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Revenues

Our revenues are substantially comprised of investment management fees earned under contracts with the Funds and separate accounts managed by us. The distribution of assets under management among our investment products has an impact on our investment management fees, as some products carry different fees than others. Investment management fees may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including the following:
     
 
• 
total value and composition of our assets under management;
     
 
the amount of capital gain and income distributions;
     
 
• 
market appreciation or depreciation;
     
 
• 
the use of leverage within our closed-end products;
     
 
relative investment performance and volatility of our investment products and strategies compared to benchmarks and competitors;
     
 
• 
level of net purchases and redemptions, which represent the sum of new client assets, additional funding from existing clients, withdrawals of assets from and termination of client accounts, and purchases and redemptions of open-end fund shares;
   
 
• 
a determination by the independent trustees of the Funds to terminate or significantly alter the funds’ investment management agreements with us; and
     
 
• 
increased competition.

Our revenues also are comprised of distribution and underwriting fees. Asset-based distribution and/or service fees received pursuant to Rule 12b-1 plans, discussed below, are a significant component of distribution and underwriting fees. Distribution and underwriting fees may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including the following:
     
 
• 
total value of our assets under management;
   
 
• 
total composition of our assets under management by share class;
   
 
• 
market appreciation or depreciation; and
   
 
• 
the level of purchases and redemptions.

Investment Management Fees

Investment management fees that we receive from Funds for which we act as investment advisor are computed monthly on an average daily net asset value basis. Investment management fees that we earn on separate accounts for which we act as investment advisor are generally computed quarterly, either in advance or in arrears, based on the assets under management at the beginning or end of the quarterly period. We recognize the revenues derived from these fees over the period during which we render investment advisory services.

Distribution and Underwriting Fees

Distribution and underwriting fees include (1) asset-based distribution and/or service fees received pursuant to Rule 12b-1 plans, (2) front-end sales charges and (3) contingent deferred sales charges.

Rule 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees are asset-based fees that the open-end funds pay us over time pursuant to distribution plans adopted under provisions of Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act. These fees are typically calculated as a percentage of average daily net assets under management in specific share classes of the open-end funds. These fees fluctuate with both the level of average daily net assets under management and the relative mix of assets among share classes. Rule 12b-1 fees are generally offset by distribution and service expenses paid during the period, as well as the amortization of deferred sales commissions that were previously paid by us to third parties.

 
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We earn front-end sales charges on the sale of Class A shares of open-end funds, which provide for a sales charge at the time of investment. We retain a portion of the applicable sales charge and record as underwriting revenue only the portion that we retain. We retain the entire sales charge earned on accounts where Calamos Financial Services acts as the broker-dealer. Sales charges are waived on sales to shareholders or intermediaries that exceed specified minimum dollar amounts and other specified conditions. Sales charges fluctuate with both the level of Class A share sales and the mix of Class A shares offered with and without a sales charge.

Contingent deferred sales charges are earned on redemptions of Class B shares within six years of purchase and on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of purchase. Contingent deferred sales charges fluctuate primarily based on the length of the investment in Class B and Class C shares. Waivers of contingent deferred sales charges apply under certain circumstances.

Other Revenues

Other revenues consist primarily of portfolio accounting fees, which are contractual payments calculated as a percentage of combined assets of the Funds for financial accounting services, such as establishing expense accruals and performing tax calculations. The fees were calculated based on the average daily assets of the open-end and closed-end funds.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses consist of employee compensation and benefits, distribution expenses, amortization of deferred sales commissions, marketing and sales promotion expenses, and general and administrative expenses. These expenses fluctuate due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, the following:
       
 
• 
variations in the level of total compensation expense due to, among other things, incentive compensation, changes in our employee count and mix and competitive factors;
 
 
 
• changes in distribution expense and amortization of the deferred sales commissions as a result of fluctuations in open-end fund sales and level of redemptions;
 
   
 
• market appreciation or depreciation of assets under management which will directly impact distribution expenses;
 
 
• 
the amount of Rule 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees that we receive, as well as our continued ability to receive those fees in the future, which would affect the amortization expenses associated with the receipt of these fees;
 
     
 
• 
changes in the level of our marketing and promotion expenses in response to market conditions, including our efforts to further penetrate and support new and existing distribution channels and clients; and
 
       
 
• 
expenses and capital costs, such as technology assets, professional services, depreciation, and research and development, incurred to maintain and enhance our administrative and operating services infrastructure.
 

We have and will continue to adjust the level of expenses relative to business income and continue to seek opportunities to implement a more variable cost structure.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense includes salaries, incentive compensation and related benefits costs. Employee compensation and benefits are benchmarked against the competitive market landscape, including industry compensation standards. In order to attract and retain qualified personnel, we must maintain competitive employee compensation and benefits. In normal circumstances, we expect to experience a general rise in employee compensation and benefits expenses over the long-term.

We use a fair value method in recording compensation expense for restricted stock units and stock options granted under our incentive stock plan. Under the fair value method, compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and is recognized as an expense over the vesting period. Fair value is determined on the date granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the stock options and is determined by the market value of the underlying stock for restricted stock units.

 
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Distribution Expenses

Distribution expenses include payments that we make to broker-dealers and other intermediaries for selling, underwriting, servicing and administering open-end funds. This expense is influenced by new open-end funds sales, levels of redemptions and market appreciation or depreciation of assets under management in these products. This expense is comprised of Rule 12b-1 distribution and/or service fee payments to the selling firms.

Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions

As discussed, we pay commissions to selling firms upon the sale of Class B and C shares of open-end funds. As we pay these commissions, we create a deferred sales commission asset on our consolidated statement of financial condition. We amortize these assets over either the average remaining lives of the assets or the period in which we receive related asset-based distribution and/or service fees pursuant to Rule 12b-1 plans. Amortization expenses generally offset the Rule 12b-1 fees we receive from the funds’ shareholders over this same period. In addition, because Rule 12b-1 fees cease upon the redemption of the open-end fund shares, amortization expenses are accelerated when shares are redeemed, resulting in an increase in amortization expense and a reduction of the deferred sales commission asset.

Because we discontinued the sale of Class B shares of open-end funds during 2009, the deferred sales commission assets related to these shares are no longer replenished by new sales. In conjunction with this decision, we evaluated the estimated remaining lives on the portion of the deferred sales commission assets related to Class B shares of open-end funds and, as a result of this evaluation, extended the estimated remaining lives of these assets. The impact of this change in estimate reduced amortization expense beginning in the year ended December 31, 2009.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses include marketing and sales promotion expenses and general and administrative expenses. Marketing and sales promotion expenses generally vary based on the type and level of marketing, educational, sales or other programs in operation and include closed-end fund marketing costs and ongoing and one-time payments to broker-dealers. In addition, as the open-end funds that we manage have grown in size and recognition over time and in normal circumstances, we have become subject to supplemental compensation payments to third-party selling agents, which are a component of marketing and sales promotion expense. We expect supplemental compensation payments to fluctuate with changes in assets under management. In connection with closed-end funds, we make fee payments to certain underwriters for distribution, consulting and/or support services rendered during or after the offering period of each closed-end fund. These fees are based on contractual agreements with underwriting firms and may be paid over time based on the average daily net assets of such funds or at the close of the offering period based on the amount of assets raised during the offering.

General and administrative expenses primarily include occupancy-related costs, depreciation and professional and business services. These expenses generally fluctuate in relative proportion to the number of employees employed by us and the overall size and scale of our business operations. Given our continued efforts to make these costs more variable, such as outsourcing our middle and back-office functions, we expect to see an increase in professional services related expenses.


 
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Impact of Distribution and Underwriting Activities

In order to grow assets under management, we engage in distribution and underwriting activities, principally with respect to our family of open-end funds. When analyzing our business, we consider the result of these distribution activities on a net revenue basis as they are typically a result of a single open-end fund share purchase. Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) requires that we present these activities on a gross revenue basis, thus resulting in a reduction to our overall operating margin, as the margin on distribution activities is generally lower than the margins on the remainder of our business. While we do not adjust our margin for these activities on a net revenue basis, we believe the margin table below is useful to understanding the impact of distribution activities on our margin.

The following table summarizes the net distribution fee margin for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Distribution and underwriting fees
  $ 82,539     $ 84,753  
Distribution expenses
    (68,981 )     (66,493 )
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
    (6,529 )     (9,206 )
Net distribution fees
  $ 7,029     $ 9,054  
                 
Net distribution fee margin
    9 %     11 %

The net distribution fee margin varies by share class so the mix of sales and assets by share class affects the overall net distribution fee margin. The decline in the net distribution fee margin is primarily due to the decline in Class B share revenues and contingent deferred sales charge revenues, partially offset by a decline in amortization of deferred sales commission. The decline in Class B shares is due to the composition of our open-end funds moving to Class I shares which do not have distribution fees. Net distribution fee margin has different distribution and underwriting activities, which are described below.

Class A shares represented $9.3 billion of our U.S. clients’ assets under management as of December 31, 2011. These shares provide for a front-end sales charge at the time of investment. The sales charge is equal to a maximum of 4.75% of the amount invested. We retain an underwriting fee representing a portion of this sales charge and pay any remaining amounts to the selling firm. We retained underwriting fees of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. We receive Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees on Class A shares at a rate of 0.25% of Class A share assets under management and record these fees as distribution and underwriting fee revenue. These fees are generally offset by a 0.25% fee paid to third-party selling agents that is recorded as a distribution expense. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we received Class A share Rule 12b-1 fees of $26.7 million. For the same period, we made Class A share Rule 12b-1 payments to selling firms of $25.8 million.

The distribution fee margin that we earn on Class A shares is largely driven by the distribution fees that we earn as broker of record and by the portion of front-end sales charges that we retain, which fluctuate with both the total Class A share sales and the mix of Class A share sales with and without a sales charge. The percentage of Class A share sales made without a sales charge has been increasing. If this trend continues, we expect that our Class A share net distribution fee margin will decrease.

Class B shares represented $553.6 million of our U.S. clients’ assets under management as of December 31, 2011. During 2009 we discontinued the sale of Class B open-end funds. Prior to us closing this share class to new sales, investors in Class B shares did not pay a sales charge at the time of investment; instead, we paid an upfront commission equal to 4.0% of the amount invested directly to the selling firm when the investment was made. This advanced payment was capitalized as a deferred sales commission asset when paid and is amortized on a straight-line basis over eight years unless a redemption occurs. Upon redemption, we write-off the remaining asset to amortization of deferred sales commissions. If the investor redeems shares within the first six years of investment, we receive a contingent deferred sales charge of between 5.0% (during the first year) declining to 1.0% (during the sixth year) based upon the lesser of the redemption price or purchase price. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we received Class B share contingent deferred sales charge payments of $777,000.

 
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We receive Rule 12b-1 fees on Class B shares at the rate of 1.0% of Class B share assets under management (consisting of a 0.75% distribution fee and a 0.25% service fee) and record these fees as distribution and underwriting fee revenue. We make Rule 12b-1 service fee payments to the selling firm at a rate of 0.25% of Class B share assets under management and record these payments as a distribution expense. We retain a 0.75% distribution fee to help us recover the upfront commissions that we paid to the selling firm. Rule 12b-1 payments continue for eight years, at which point Class B shares automatically convert into Class A shares. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we received Class B share Rule 12b-1 fees of $7.9 million. For the same period, we made Class B share Rule 12b-1 payments to selling firms of $2.0 million.

The net distribution fee margin that we earn on Class B shares is primarily the result of the difference between the annual 0.75% distribution fee revenue that we receive on the average Class B share assets under management and the amortization of the 4.0% upfront commission over the life of the asset. This differential creates a component of net distribution fee margin unique to Class B shares that will remain constant before giving consideration to redemption activity or market appreciation or depreciation. Further, the net distribution fee margin on Class B shares fluctuates due to the appreciation or depreciation of the underlying assets.

Class C shares represented $4.0 billion of our U.S. clients’ assets under management as of December 31, 2011. Investors in Class C shares do not pay a sales charge at the time of investment; instead, we pay an upfront commission equal to 1.0% of the amount invested directly to the selling firm when the investment is made. This advanced payment is capitalized as a deferred sales commission asset when paid and is amortized on a straight-line basis over 12 months. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we made commission payments to selling firms of $3.5 million. If the investor redeems Class C shares within one year of investment, we receive from the proceeds of the sale a contingent deferred sales charge payment equal to 1.0% of the lesser of the redemption price or purchase price. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we received Class C share contingent deferred sales charge payments of $305,000.

We receive Rule 12b-1 fees on Class C shares at the rate of 1.0% of Class C share assets under management (consisting of a 0.75% distribution fee and a 0.25% service fee) and record these fees as distribution and underwriting fee revenue. We make Class C share Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fee payments to the selling firm beginning in the second year following the sale at the rate of 1.0% of Class C share assets under management and record these payments as a distribution expense. For the year ended December 31, 2011 we received Class C share 12b-1 fees of $44.8 million. For the same period, we made Class C share Rule 12b-1 payments to selling firms of $40.4 million.

The first year’s Rule 12b-1 fees help us to recoup the upfront commission we paid to the selling firm, resulting in a net distribution fee margin on Class C shares that is generally zero, before giving consideration to market appreciation or depreciation. However, during the first 12 months following the sale of Class C shares, this margin will fluctuate due to the appreciation or depreciation of Class C share assets. Appreciation or depreciation of the assets from the time of sale will result in a corresponding increase or decrease in the distribution fee revenues. We expect our distribution fee margin to increase as the underlying Class C share assets appreciate and to decrease as these assets depreciate and as the percentage of assets older than 12 months grows.

Class I shares represented $5.3 billion of our U.S. clients’ assets under management as of December 31, 2011. These shares do not provide for a front-end sales charge or Rule 12b-1 fees and are generally offered to individual and institutional investors making initial investments of $1 million or more; therefore, no distribution fee margin exists for this share class.

Class R shares are available for purchase through certain tax-exempt retirement plans held in plan level or omnibus accounts and represented $47.9 million of our U.S. clients’ assets under management as of December 31, 2011. Investors in Class R shares do not pay a front-end sales charge at the time of investment. We receive Rule 12b-1 fees on Class R shares at a rate of 0.50% of Class R share assets under management and record these fees as distribution and underwriting fee revenue. These fees are generally offset by a 0.50% fee paid to third party selling agents that is recorded as a distribution expense. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Class R share 12b-1 fees that we received and the Class R share Rule 12b-1 payments that we made to selling firms were insignificant.

Offshore Funds represented $577.9 million of our assets under management as of December 31, 2011. Offshore Funds do not provide for a front-end sales charge or Rule 12b-1 fees. Offshore Funds are generally offered to individual and institutional investors that are domiciled or that have citizenship outside the U.S. These funds are comprised of various share classes with distribution fees that differ from the investment company share classes described above. Distribution fees received from the Offshore Funds vary by share class and may be negotiated with distribution partners. These fees received from the Offshore Funds are recorded as distribution and underwriting fee revenue while the payments made to third party selling firms recorded as distribution expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Offshore Fund distribution fees received and paid were $409,000 and $404,000, respectively.

 
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Non-operating Income (Loss)

Non-operating income (loss) primarily represents net investment gains or losses from a portion of our investment portfolio and from the limited partnerships that we consolidate, net of non-controlling interest in those partnerships. Capital gain distributions, dividends and net interest income or expense are also included in non-operating income (loss).
Non-controlling Interest

Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC

As sole manager of Calamos Investments LLC, we consolidate the financial results of Calamos Investments LLC with our own results. Outstanding shares of our Class A common stock represent 21.9%, 21.7% and 21.5% of the ownership of Calamos Investments LLC as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We reflect Calamos Family Partners, Inc. and John P. Calamos, Sr.’s collective ownership of 78.1%, 78.3% and 78.5% in Calamos Investments LLC as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as a non-controlling interest in our consolidated statements of financial condition, operations and changes in stockholders’ equity.

Non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC is derived by multiplying the historical equity of Calamos Investments LLC by Calamos Family Partners, Inc. and John P. Calamos, Sr.’s collective ownership percentage for the periods presented. Issuances and repurchases of our Class A common stock may result in changes to Calamos Asset Management, Inc.’s ownership percentage and to the non-controlling interests’ ownership percentage of Calamos Investments LLC. The corresponding changes in ownership are reflected in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity.

Income is allocated to non-controlling interests based on the average ownership interest during the period in which the income is earned. As a result, our income before income tax provision, excluding Calamos Family Partners, Inc. and John P. Calamos, Sr.’s non-controlling interest, represent 21.9%, 21.7% and 21.5% of Calamos Investments LLC’s net income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Income (loss) before income tax provision includes investment and dividend income earned on cash and cash equivalents and investments, and certain expenses held solely by Calamos Asset Management, Inc. during the same period. This investment income is not reduced by non-controlling interest; therefore, the resulting non-controlling interest as presented in the statement of operations differs slightly than their corresponding ownership percentage.

Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments

Calamos Partners LLC, a dissolved subsidiary of Calamos Investments, was the general partner of Calamos Market Neutral Opportunities Fund LP, a private investment partnership that was primarily comprised of highly liquid marketable securities. During the first quarter of 2011 the Calamos Market Neutral Opportunities Fund LP partnership was liquidated. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we and our affiliates owned a majority interests in this partnership and up to the time the partnership was liquidated, consolidated the financial results of this partnership into our consolidated financial statements. Calamos Advisors, a subsidiary of Calamos Investments, is the general partner of another partnership, in which we consolidated the results of that partnership into our consolidated financial results. The combined interests of these two partnerships, not owned by us, are presented as non-controlling interest in partnership investments in our consolidated financial statements for the periods those partnerships were consolidated.

Income Taxes

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, our effective tax rate was 53.0%, 37.3% and 37.8%, respectively. The December 31, 2011 effective tax rate includes the impact of an increase in the deferred tax valuation allowance of $5.2 million, to reduce our deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The increase in the valuation allowance was recorded as it is unlikely based upon market conditions that Calamos Asset Management, Inc. will be able to fully utilize its capital loss carryforward. Our consideration in recording the valuation allowance included our risk-based approach to protecting our balance sheet and the remaining life of the capital loss carryforward.  The deferred tax valuation allowance increased our effective tax rate by 15.3%.

 
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Operating Results

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010

Assets Under Management

Assets under management decreased by $2.6 billion, or 7%, to $32.8 billion at December 31, 2011 from $35.4 billion at December 31, 2010. Average assets under management increased by $3.4 billion, or 11%, to $35.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $32.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, our assets under management consisted of 76% and 77% of Funds and 24% and 23% of institutional and managed accounts, respectively.

 
(in millions)
 
Year Ended
December 31,
   
Change
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
                         
Funds
                       
Beginning assets under management
  $ 27,352     $ 24,480     $ 2,872       12 %
Net redemptions                                                       
    (909 )     (23 )     (886 )     *  
Market (depreciation) appreciation
    (1,398 )     2,895       (4,293 )     *  
Ending assets under management                                                      
    25,045       27,352       (2,307 )     (8 )
Average assets under management
    27,339       24,739       2,600       11  
Institutional Accounts
                               
Beginning assets under management
    5,559       4,619       940       20  
Net purchases                                                       
    163       154       9       6  
Market (depreciation) appreciation
    (217 )     786       (1,003 )     *  
Ending assets under management                                                      
    5,505       5,559       (54 )     (1 )
Average assets under management
    5,836       4,932       904       18  
Managed Accounts
                               
Beginning assets under management
    2,503       3,615       (1,112 )     (31 )
Net redemptions                                                       
    (168 )     (1,530 )     1,362       89  
Market (depreciation) appreciation
    (108 )     418       (526 )     *  
Ending assets under management                                                      
    2,227       2,503       (276 )     (11 )
Average assets under management
    2,518       2,578       (60 )     (2 )
Total Assets Under Management
                               
Beginning assets under management
    35,414       32,714       2,700       8  
Net redemptions                                                       
    (914 )     (1,399 )     485       35  
Market (depreciation) appreciation
    (1,723 )     4,099       (5,822 )     *  
Ending assets under management                                                      
    32,777       35,414       (2,637 )     (7 )
Average assets under management
  $ 35,693     $ 32,249     $ 3,444       11 %
________________
 
* Not meaningful

Net redemptions in our Funds were $909 million in 2011 and represent an unfavorable change of $886 million from net redemptions of $23 million in 2010. While we attracted net sales from investors into 13 of our 18 open-end funds during 2011, including each of our Offshore Funds, these inflows were not sufficient to overcome the net outflows sustained from the net redemptions in our Growth Fund and Convertible Fund. Net inflows were strongest in our global and international strategies, which had net sales of $716 million in 2011. The decrease in market values negatively impacted our Funds by $1.4 billion during 2011 compared to market appreciation of $2.9 billion during 2010.

Separate accounts, which represent managed accounts for both institutions and individuals, combined net redemptions were flat at $5 million during 2011, compared to net redemptions of $1.4 billion during the prior year. The net outflows from our managed accounts in 2011 were due to net redemptions and depreciation of $168 million and $108 million, respectively. The net outflows from our institutional accounts were due to depreciation of $217 million, partially offset by net purchases of $163 million. Institutional accounts net purchases were driven primarily from our institutional business, including winning a large Asia institutional mandate as well as our growth in institutional accounts in international equity and emerging market strategies. Managed accounts net redemptions

 
38

 


decrease of $1.4 billion from 2010 to $168 million in 2011 was as a result of an increase in redemptions during 2010 related to the increase in account minimums for our convertible-based strategies on separately-managed account platforms.

Financial Review

Revenues

Total revenues increased by $26.3 million, or 8%, to $352.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $326.0 million for the prior year. The increase was primarily due to higher investment management fees, partially offset by lower distribution and underwriting fees.

         
Change
 
(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
                         
Investment management fees                                               
  $ 266,553     $ 238,308     $ 28,245       12 %
Distribution and underwriting fees
    82,539       84,753       (2,214 )     (3 )
Other                                               
    3,229       2,978       251       8  
Total revenues                                             
  $ 352,321     $ 326,039     $ 26,282       8 %

Investment management fees increased by 12% for the year ended December 31, 2011, as our average assets under management increased by $3.4 billion, or 11%, during the year. Investment management fees from open-end funds increased by 13% to $169.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $151.0 million for the prior year, driven by an 11% increase in open-end fund average assets under management. Investment management fees from our closed-end funds increased by 9% to $49.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $45.1 million for the prior year period, due to an 8% increase in closed-end fund average assets under management. Investment management fees from our separately managed accounts increased by 13% to $47.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $42.2 million in the prior year, due to an 11% increase in separately managed accounts average assets under management. The investment management fee rate that we earned for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 0.75% and relatively constant when compared to the 2010 rate of 0.74%.

Despite the fact that our average open-end fund assets increased by 11% when compared to the prior year, our distribution and underwriting fees decreased by 3%, or $2.2 million to $82.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in distribution fees was largely due to more open-end fund investors choosing to compensate their financial advisors through fee based models, increasing the demand for and a shift in assets toward our Class I shares. Because we do not collect distribution fees from Class I shares, our distribution revenue has decreased with this shift in assets. This shift in assets has had no adverse effect to the operating results of the Company because our distribution expenses have decreased proportionately with the decrease in revenues.

To a lesser extent the decrease in distribution and underwriting fees is due to lower contingent deferred sales charges. The decline in contingent deferred sales charges is as a result of the closing of our Class B shares to new purchases resulting in less redemptions of Class B shares in the early years, which are redeemed at higher contingent deferred sales charge rates than Class B shares redeemed in later years.

Other revenue principally reflects asset-based portfolio accounting fees, which increased by 8% to $3.2 million from the prior year. These fees will generally rise and fall with the changes in average fund assets that we manage.

 
39

 


Operating Expenses

Operating expenses rose by 6% to $212.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $199.5 million for the prior year. This change reflects increases in employee compensation and benefits expenses, distribution expenses and marketing and sales promotion expenses that were partially offset by a decrease in amortization of deferred sales commissions.

         
Change
 
(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
                         
Employee compensation and benefits
  $ 80,160     $ 75,292     $ 4,868       6 %
Distribution expenses                                                          
    68,981       66,493       2,488       4  
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
    6,529       9,206       (2,677 )     (29 )
Marketing and sales promotion                                                          
    17,107       13,775       3,332       24  
General and administrative                                                          
    39,195       34,772       4,423       13  
Total operating expenses                                                        
  $ 211,972     $ 199,538     $ 12,434       6 %

Employee compensation and benefits expenses increased by $4.9 million, or 6%, for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase is mostly attributable to an increase in performance-based incentive compensation and to a lesser extent increases in salary and benefit compensation, partially offset by lower equity compensation. The increases in our performance-based incentive compensation and salary and benefit compensation is due to increase in the number of associates we employ and our investment into more distribution and client focused personnel.

Distribution expenses generally represent a pass-through to financial intermediaries of Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees that we earn from the family of funds that we manage and distribute. These expenses are directly related to changes in average open-end fund assets under management of Class A, B and C shares, and the proportion of Class C share assets less than one year old. For the year ended December 31, 2011, distribution expenses increased by $2.5 million, or 4%, when compared to the prior year. This change is due to an increase in the average assets under management of Class A and C shares and an increase in the average Class C shares assets older than one year. Although the Rule 12b-1 fee rates we paid to broker-dealers and other intermediaries in 2011 did not change from the rates paid in the prior year, we experienced a material shift of average open-end fund assets to Class I shares, which do not include a distribution expense. As a result of this increase in Class I share assets, distribution expenses did not grow at a rate commensurate with our average open-end fund assets under management.

Amortization of deferred sales commissions change with the level of new open-end fund sales of Class B and C shares and with Class B share redemptions. During the second quarter of 2009, we discontinued the sales of Class B shares, and as a result, the deferred sales commission assets are no longer replenished by new sales. As a result of no new deferred sales commissions, we expect that amortization expense associated with Class B share deferred sales commissions will continue to decrease as the remaining Class B share assets convert to Class A or I share assets over time.

Marketing and sales promotion expenses increased by $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, which was largely the result of an increase in fund administrative “Cap” expenses, which are non-reimbursable expenses we pay to reduce the service fees to our fund investors, and an increase in supplemental distribution payments to brokers. Increase in supplemental distribution payments to brokers is directly correlated with the increase in average assets under management of our open-end funds. The increase in marketing and sales promotion expenses is also due to our increase spending to support a series of targeted marketing and advertising campaigns to build awareness about our investment strategies.

General and administrative expenses increased by $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Many offsetting factors gave rise to the net increase in expense during 2011. As expected, professional service fees continued their upward trend in support of our initiative to outsource our middle-office operations. We expect this trend to continue until this outsourcing initiative is completed. Professional services also increased as a result of our initiative to review options for creating a greater degree of clarity regarding our market capitalization. Additionally, in support of expanding our international distribution efforts, travel related expenses have modestly increased during 2011 as compared to 2010. The impact of these items were partially offset by a reduction in depreciation expenses of more than $2.1 million as certain equipment placed in service to accommodate our move into our headquarters have fully depreciated.

 
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Non-Operating Activities, Net of Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest in partnership investments decreased by $5.1 million to $16.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $21.6 million for the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to lower realized gains on our investment securities and higher net realized and unrealized losses on our option contracts.

(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Change
 
                   
Interest income
  $ 289     $ 379     $ (90 )
Interest expense
    (6,650 )     (7,801 )     1,151  
Net interest expense
    (6,361 )     (7,422 )     1,061  
                         
Investment income
    17,617       24,296       (6,679 )
Dividend income
    4,605       4,390       215  
Miscellaneous other income
    198       398       (200 )
Investment and other income
    22,420       29,084       (6,664 )
Non-operating income
    16,059       21,662       (5,603 )
                         
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling
interest in partnership investments
    460       (72 )     532  
                         
Non-operating income, net of non-
controlling interest in partnership investments
  $ 16,519     $ 21,590     $ (5,071 )

The decrease in our interest yields, led to our interest income decreasing by nearly 24% to $289,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Interest expense decreased by $1.2 million to $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as a result of our debt repayment of $32.9 million in April 2011.

Investment income for 2011 was $17.6 million compared to $24.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The majority of investment income reflects realized gains on the sale of investment securities generated as a part of a tax harvesting strategy to better utilize tax loss carry-forwards that was implemented during 2010. Dividend income for 2011 increased modestly to $4.6 million from $4.4 million during 2010.

Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest in partnership investments represents the portion of income attributable to the other partners’ ownership interest in the partnership that we refer to as non-controlling interests.


 
41

 


The following table provides a summary of the returns that we generated from our corporate investment portfolio. This table combines the investment and dividend income as reported in our consolidated statement of operations with the change in fair value of our investment securities that are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), a component of stockholders' equity, for the year ended December 31, 2011:

   
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Non-Operating Income, net
   
Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
                   
Funds and common stock                                                       
  $ 28,330     $ (46,550 )   $ (18,220 )
Partnership investments
    (677 )           (677 )
Option contracts                                                       
    (10,036 )           (10,036 )
Investment income                                                     
    17,617       (46,550 )     (28,933 )
Dividend income
    4,605               4,605  
Non-controlling interest in
partnership investments
    460               460  
Investment portfolio results                                                     
  $ 22,682             $ (23,868 )
Less: Non-controlling interest in
Calamos Investments LLC
            36,442          
Change in AOCI due to stock issuance
                       
Deferred income taxes                                                     
            3,740          
Change in accumulated other
comprehensive income                                                  
          $ (6,368 )        

 
Our investment portfolio lost $23.9 million, or 6.8%, for the full year 2011. These results primarily reflect unrealized losses on our investment portfolio and net realized and unrealized losses on our option contracts used to hedge market value fluctuations in the corporate investment portfolio, partially offset by net realized gains on our investment portfolio as a result of our tax harvesting strategy.

Income Tax Provision

For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, our effective tax rate was 53.0% and 37.3%, respectively. The December 31, 2011 effective tax rate includes the impact of an increase in the deferred tax valuation allowance of $5.2 million, to reduce our deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The increase in the valuation allowance was recorded as it is unlikely based upon market conditions that Calamos Asset Management, Inc. will be able to fully utilize its capital loss carryforward. Our consideration in recording the valuation allowance included our risk-based approach to protecting our balance sheet and the remaining life of the capital loss carryforward.  The deferred tax valuation allowance increased our effective tax rate by 15.3%.

Net Income

For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. was $15.9 million and $19.9 million, respectively. For the same period non-GAAP net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. was $27.3 million and $24.9 million, respectively. See “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of the MD&A below for descriptions of non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures.


 
42

 


Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2009

Assets Under Management

Assets under management increased by $2.7 billion, or 8%, to $35.4 billion at December 31, 2010 from $32.7 billion at December 31, 2009. Average assets under management increased by $4.9 billion, or 18%, to $32.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $27.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, our assets under management consisted of 77% and 75% of Funds and 23% and 25% of institutional and managed accounts, respectively.

 
(in millions)
 
Year Ended
December 31,
   
Change
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
                         
Funds
                       
Beginning assets under management
  $ 24,480     $ 17,498     $ 6,982       40 %
Net purchases (redemptions)                                                       
    (23 )     527       (550 )     *  
Market appreciation                                                       
    2,895       6,455       (3,560 )     (55 )
Ending assets under management                                                      
    27,352       24,480       2,872       12  
Average assets under management
    24,739       20,248       4,491       22  
Institutional Accounts
                               
Beginning assets under management
    4,619       3,498       1,121       32  
Net purchases (redemptions)                                                       
    154       (111 )     265       *  
Market appreciation                                                       
    786       1,232       (446 )     (36 )
Ending assets under management                                                      
    5,559       4,619       940       20  
Average assets under management
    4,932       3,930       1,002       25  
Managed Accounts
                               
Beginning assets under management
    3,615       3,044       571       19  
Net redemptions                                                       
    (1,530 )     (527 )     (1,003 )     *  
Market appreciation                                                       
    418       1,098       (680 )     (62 )
Ending assets under management                                                      
    2,503       3,615       (1,112 )     (31 )
Average assets under management
    2,578       3,181       (603 )     (19 )
Total Assets Under Management
                               
Beginning assets under management
    32,714       24,040       8,674       36  
Net redemptions                                                       
    (1,399 )     (111 )     (1,288 )     *  
Market appreciation                                                       
    4,099       8,785       (4,686 )     (53 )
Ending assets under management
    35,414       32,714       2,700       8  
Average assets under management
  $ 32,249     $ 27,359     $ 4,890       18 %
________________
 
* Not meaningful

Net sales in our Funds were basically flat in 2010 and represent an unfavorable change of $550 million from net purchases of $527 million in 2009. The decrease in net sales is almost entirely attributable to the slowing of net sales into our Convertible Fund during the year which remained positive but decreased by $1.7 billion. We attracted net sales from investors into 12 of our 14 open-end funds during 2010, including each of our offshore funds. Inflows were strongest in our alternative, convertible and fixed income strategies, as well as our global funds which recorded year-over-year increases in net sales of nearly $700 million. However, these inflows were not sufficient to overcome the net outflows sustained from our Growth Fund, which in light of its strong investment performance we believe is a reflection of investors’ negative sentiment toward domestic equity strategies throughout most of 2010. The increase in security valuations positively impacted our Funds by $2.9 billion during 2010 and by $6.5 billion during 2009.

Separate accounts, which represent managed accounts for both institutions and individuals, had combined net redemptions of $1.4 billion during 2010, compared to net redemptions of $638 million during the prior year. The net outflows from our managed accounts in 2010 were primarily due to $1.3 billion in net redemptions as a result of our decision in the first quarter of 2010 to increase the account minimums for our convertible-based strategies on separately-managed account platforms. This effort was completed in the second quarter of 2010, and we expect no further redemptions as a result of this strategic initiative. The managed account outflows were partially offset by net inflows of $154 million within our institutional accounts during 2010 which increased by $265 million

 
43

 


when compared to $111 million of outflows in the prior year. Institutional accounts generally have long and varying lead times before funding occurs which creates fluctuations in sales volumes and limits predictability of sales volumes. Separate accounts were favorably impacted by market appreciation of $1.2 billion during 2010, compared to market appreciation of $2.3 billion during 2009.

Financial Review

Revenues

Total revenues increased by $44.3 million, or 16%, to $326.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $281.7 million for the prior year. The increase was primarily due to higher investment management fees and distribution and underwriting fees.

         
Change
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
                         
Investment management fees                                               
  $ 238,308     $ 200,790     $ 37,518       19 %
Distribution and underwriting fees
    84,753       78,430       6,323       8  
Other                                               
    2,978       2,518       460       18  
Total revenues                                             
  $ 326,039     $ 281,738     $ 44,301       16 %

Investment management fees for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased 19% as our average assets under management across all products increased by $4.9 billion, or 18%, during the year. Investment management fees from open-end funds increased by 23% to $151.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $123.0 million for the prior year, driven by a 24% increase in open-end fund average assets under management. Investment management fees from our closed-end funds increased by 17% to $45.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $38.5 million for the prior year period, due to a 16% increase in closed-end fund average assets under management. Investment management fees from our separately managed accounts increased by 7% to $42.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $39.3 million in the prior year, in line with the changes in average assets for these accounts. The investment management fee rate that we earned for the year ended December 31, 2010 was 0.74% and relatively constant when compared to the 2009 rate of 0.73%.

Despite the fact that our average open-end fund assets increased by 24% when compared to the prior year, our distribution and underwriting fees increased by only 8%, or $6.3 million to $84.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The improvement in fees is mostly attributed to a $7.6 million increase in asset-based distribution fees. However, that rate of growth in fees is limited by the composition of the open-end fund assets by share class. As more open-end fund investors have chosen to compensate their financial advisors through fee based models, we have seen an increase demand for and a shift in assets toward our Class I shares. Because we do not collect distribution fees from class I shares, our distribution revenue has decreased with this shift in assets. This shift in assets has had no adverse effect to the operating results of the Company because our distribution expenses have decreased proportionately with the decrease in revenues.

When compared to the prior year, the increase in distribution and underwriting fees was further limited by a $1.2 million decrease in redemption based fees, or contingent deferred sales charges. The fee rate that we earn on Class B share redemptions, on our open-end funds, decreases as the average age of the Class B share increases and expires after 6 years. Because we have closed Class B shares to new purchases, the average age of the Class B shares will continue to increase over time and will result in a decrease in the contingent deferred sales charge rate that we receive.

Other revenue principally reflects asset-based portfolio accounting fees, which increased by nearly 20% to $2.8 million from the prior year. These fees will generally rise and fall with the changes in average fund assets that we manage.

 
44

 


Operating Expenses

Operating expenses rose by 9% to $199.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $183.7 million for the prior year. This change reflects increases in employee compensation and benefits expenses, distribution expenses and marketing and sales promotion expenses that were partially offset by a decrease in amortization of deferred sales commissions.

         
Change
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
                         
Employee compensation and benefits
  $ 75,292     $ 67,413     $ 7,879       12 %
Distribution expenses                                                          
    66,493       59,491       7,002       12  
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
    9,206       12,201       (2,995 )     (25 )
Marketing and sales promotion                                                          
    13,775       10,762       3,013       28  
General and administrative                                                          
    34,772       33,813       959       3  
Total operating expenses                                                        
  $ 199,538     $ 183,680     $ 15,858       9 %

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased by $7.9 million, or 12%, for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009. The largest component of this change is attributable to an increase in annual performance-related incentive compensation accruals, as well as sales-based incentive compensation payments. Though we have not meaningfully increased the number of associates that we employ, we have reduced staffing levels of our middle- and back-office operations teams and have increased staffing levels within our sales and marketing teams to focus on expanding our distribution and marketing capabilities. These sales-oriented individuals are generally more highly compensated, leading to increases in salary expenses and sales-based incentive compensation.

Distribution expenses generally represent a pass-through to financial intermediaries of Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees that we earn from the family of funds that we manage and distribute. These expenses are directly related to changes in average open-end fund assets under management of Class A, B and C shares and to the proportion of Class C share assets less than one year old. For the year ended December 31, 2010, distribution expenses increased by $7.0 million, or 12%, when compared to the prior year. This change is due to an increase in the average assets under management of Class A and Class C shares and an increase in the average Class C shares assets older than one year. Although the Rule 12b-1 fee rates we paid to broker-dealers and other intermediaries in 2010 did not change from the rates paid in the prior year, we experienced a material shift of average open-end fund assets to Class I shares, which do not include a distribution expense. As a result of this increase in Class I share assets, distribution expenses did not grow at a rate commensurate with our average open-end fund assets under management.

Amortization of deferred sales commissions typically change with the level of new open-end fund sales of Class B and C shares and with Class B share redemptions. During the second quarter of 2009, we discontinued the sales of Class B shares, and as a result, the deferred sales commission assets are no longer replenished by new sales. In connection with this discontinuation of Class B shares sales, we adjusted the estimated lives of these assets, thus extending the period over which the remaining amortization expense will be recorded and reducing the periodic amortization expense recognized prospectively. We expect that amortization expense associated with Class B share deferred sales commissions will continue to decrease as the remaining Class B share assets convert to Class A share assets over time.

Marketing and sales promotion expenses increased by $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, which was largely the result of supplemental distribution payments to brokers, which are directly related to the changes in average assets under management of our open-end funds. Throughout 2010, we increased spending to support a series of targeted marketing and advertising campaigns to build awareness about our investment strategies. We also enhanced our focus on e-business, magnifying our digital presence to support our sales and client service efforts.

General and administrative expense increased by $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Many offsetting factors gave rise to the net increase in expense during 2010. As expected, professional service fees continued their upward trend in support of our initiative to outsource our middle- and back-office operations functions. This outsourcing initiative also required us to make a $700,000 non-recurring, license-termination expense. We expect this trend to continue until this outsourcing initiative is completed. Additionally, in support of expanding our international distribution efforts, travel related expenses have modestly increased during 2010 as compared to 2009. The impact of these items has been tempered by a reduction in depreciation expenses of more than $2.0 million as certain equipment placed in service to accommodate our move into our headquarters has been fully depreciated.

 
45

 


Non-Operating Activities, Net of Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments

Non-operating income (loss), net of non-controlling interest in partnership investments increased by $26.8 million to income of $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to a loss of $5.2 million for the prior year. The increase is primarily due to higher realized gains on our investment securities and lower net realized and unrealized losses on our option contracts.

(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
                   
Interest income
  $ 379     $ 737     $ (358 )
Interest expense
    (7,801 )     (7,801 )      
Net interest expense
    (7,422 )     (7,064 )     (358 )
                         
Investment income (loss)
    24,296       (2,511 )     26,807  
Dividend income
    4,390       4,432       (42 )
Miscellaneous other income
    398       233       165  
Investment and other income
    29,084       2,154       26,930  
Non-operating income (loss)
    21,662       (4,910 )     26,572  
                         
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
in partnership investments
    (72 )     (336 )     264  
                         
Non-operating income (loss), net of non-
controlling interest in partnership investments
  $ 21,590     $ (5,246 )   $ 26,836  

The decrease in our cash and cash equivalents, in conjunction with near-zero interest yields, led to our interest income decreasing by nearly 50% to $379,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. Interest expense remained flat year over year as our debt level remained constant.

Investment income for 2010 was $24.3 million compared to a loss of $2.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2009. The majority of investment income reflects realized gains on the sale of investment securities generated as a part of a tax harvesting strategy to better utilize tax loss carry-forwards that was implemented during 2010.

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in partnership investments represents the portion of income attributable to the other partners’ ownership interest in the partnership that we refer to as non-controlling interests.


 
46

 


The following table provides a summary of the returns that we generated from our corporate investment portfolio. This table combines the investment and dividend income as reported in our statement of operations with the change in fair value of our investment securities that are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders' equity, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010:

   
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Non-Operating Income, net
   
Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
                   
Funds and common stock                                                       
  $ 30,098     $ 8,581     $ 38,680  
Partnership investments
    4,144             4,144  
Option contracts                                                       
    (9,947 )           (9,947 )
Investment income                                                     
    24,296       8,581       33,274  
Dividend income
    4,390               4,390  
Non-controlling interest in
partnership investments
    (72 )             (72 )
Investment portfolio results                                                     
  $ 28,614             $ 37,195  
Less: Non-controlling interest in
Calamos Investments LLC
            (6,317 )        
Change in AOCI due to stock issuance
            77          
Deferred income taxes                                                     
            (862 )        
Change in accumulated other
comprehensive income                                                  
          $ 1,479          


Our investment portfolio returned $37.2 million, or 12.3%, for the full year 2010. These results primarily reflect realized and unrealized gains from investment securities, partially offset by net realized and unrealized gains and losses on option contracts used to hedge market value fluctuations in the corporate investment portfolio.

Income Tax Provision

Our effective tax rate was 37.3% for the year ended December 31, 2010 and is materially consistent with the 2009 rate.

Net Income

For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. was $19.9 million and $12.4 million, respectively. For the same period non-GAAP net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. was $24.9 million and $21.1 million, respectively. See “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of the MD&A below for descriptions of non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures.

Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We provide investors with certain adjusted, non-GAAP financial measures including non-GAAP net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided to supplement our consolidated financial statements presented on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP financial measures are adjusted to exclude certain expenses, charges, gains and losses. We believe these exclusions are appropriate to enhance an overall understanding of our operating financial performance, as well as to facilitate comparisons with our historical earnings results. These adjustments to our GAAP results are made with the intent of providing investors a more complete understanding of our underlying earnings results and trends and our marketplace performance. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures are among the primary indicators management uses as a basis of managing our business.

 
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The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Investors should review the reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures as provided in the table below:
                   
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
                 
Net income attributable to CAM                                                                            
  $ 15,870     $ 19,928     $ 12,424  
Exclude:
                       
Deferred tax amortization on intangible assets
    7,916       7,916       7,916  
Increase in deferred tax valuation allowance                                                                       
    5,200       -       -  
Certain professional service fees, net of taxes
    595       -       -  
Non-operating (income) loss, net of taxes                                                                       
    (2,284 )     (2,932 )     714  
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
  $ 27,297     $ 24,912     $ 21,054  
                         
Diluted - Weighted average shares outstanding                                                                            
    20,611,909       20,187,992       19,954,124  
                         
Diluted earnings per share                                                                            
  $ 0.77     $ 0.99     $ 0.62  
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share                                                                            
  $ 1.32     $ 1.23     $ 1.06  

Non-GAAP net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. is calculated by adjusting for the following:

(i) the exclusion of the amortization of deferred taxes on intangible assets associated with the election under section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Section 754 election);

(ii) the increase in the deferred tax valuation allowance;

(iii) the exclusion of certain professional service fees, net of taxes; and

(iv) the exclusion of Calamos Asset Management, Inc.’s non-operating income (loss), net of taxes.

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing (i) Non-GAAP net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. by (ii) diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

The deferred tax assets from the Section 754 election allows for a quarterly reduction of approximately $2.0 million in future income taxes owed by us through 2019, to the extent that a tax payable exists during the quarter. As a result, this cash savings will accrue solely for the benefit of the shareholders of Calamos Asset Management, Inc.’s common stock. We believe that excluding this item from the calculation of the above non-GAAP items can be a useful measure in allowing investors to see our performance net of certain non-cash items. The change in the allowance on the deferred tax asset is excluded from the above non-GAAP items as it currently only impacts the current period and may fluctuate in future periods. Certain professional service fees, that were expensed in the current period related to Calamos Asset Management, Inc.’s review of options for creating a greater degree of clarity regarding our market capitalization, and non-operating expenses are excluded from the above non-GAAP items as they can distort comparisons between periods. As noted above, we believe that measures excluding these items are useful in analyzing operating trends and allows for more comparability between periods, which may be useful to investors.

We believe that non-GAAP net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are useful measures of performance and may be useful to investors, because they provide measures of our core business activities excluding expenses that are non-cash and costs that may distort comparisons between periods. These measures are provided in addition to our net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. and diluted earnings per share calculated under GAAP, but are not substitutes for those calculations.

 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources

We manage our liquidity position to ensure adequate resources are available to fund ongoing operations of the business, provide seed capital for new funds and invest in other corporate strategic initiatives. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operating activities and our corporate investment portfolio, which is comprised of cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, derivatives and partnership investments. Investment securities are principally comprised of Company-managed Funds. In addition, the individual securities held within our partnership investments are typically highly liquid.

Our working capital requirements historically have been met through cash generated by operations. We believe cash generated from operations will be sufficient over the foreseeable future to meet our working capital requirements with respect to the foregoing activities, as well as to support future growth. Further, we expect that cash on hand and through cash generated by operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs.

The following table summarizes our principal sources of liquidity as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                       
  $ 102,166     $ 82,870  
Investment securities                                                                       
    318,496       314,215  
Derivatives, net                                                                       
    (2,826 )     (1,892 )
Partnership investments, net of non-controlling interests
    21,022       39,981  
Total corporate investment portfolio                                                                    
  $ 438,858     $ 435,174  

We utilize a hedging strategy using exchange traded equity option contracts as an economic hedge to reduce downside risk and price volatility of the total portfolio value as well as to support compliance with the financial ratios associated with our long-term debt. This strategy allows us the flexibility to continue to provide seed capital for the development of new products when necessary, while seeking to help reduce risk and to maintain a solid credit rating.

Calamos Investments LLC is the borrower of our $92.1 million in outstanding debt. We were in compliance with all financial covenants at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The Company currently has an investment-grade BBB+ rating from Standard & Poor’s.

The following is a summary of covenant compliance as of December 31, 2011 with the terms and covenants having the same meanings set forth under our amended note purchase agreements:

Covenant
 
Requirement
Results as of
December 31, 2011
       
EBITDA/interest expense
 
Not less than 3.0
23.23
Debt/EBITDA
 
Not more than 2.75
0.60
Investment coverage ratio
 
Not less than 1.175
4.11
Net worth
 
Not less than $160 million
$293 million

The following table summarizes key data relating to our liquidity and capital resources:

(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
             
Statements of financial condition data:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 102,166     $ 82,870  
Receivables
    28,527       29,671  
Investment securities and derivatives, net
    315,670       312,323  
Partnership investments, net
    21,022       39,981  
Deferred tax assets, net
    65,518       75,717  
Deferred sales commissions
    5,444       8,515  
Long-term debt, including current portion
    92,115       125,000  

 
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The deferred tax assets above include an annual reduction of $7.9 million in future income taxes owed by us through 2019. This reduction results from our election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code, whereby we stepped up the tax basis in certain intangible assets to their fair market value. These assets are amortized over fifteen years on Calamos Asset Management, Inc.’s tax return. As a result, this cash savings will accrue solely for the benefit of the shareholders of our common stock.

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are shown below.

(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Cash flow data:
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                     
  $ 154,293     $ 144,767     $ 140,631  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (14,387 )     (79,861 )     2,517  
Net cash used in financing activities                                                                     
    (120,610 )     (127,467 )     (57,142 )

Net cash provided by operating activities was $154.3 million, $144.8 million and $140.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These net cash flows are primarily attributed to net income of the Company and are mostly generated by core business activities.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $14.4 million. The net cash used in investing activities during 2011 was primarily comprised of additional investments in Company-sponsored Funds of $30.0 million to help expand our product offering coupled with our net purchases of derivatives of $9.1 million. These flows were partially offset by cash flows of $18.7 million and $12.0 million provided by the liquidation of the Calamos Market Neutral Opportunities Fund LP and the sale of our managed mutual funds, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $79.9 million. The net cash used in investing activities during 2010 was primarily comprised of additional investments in Company-sponsored Funds of $64.0 million to help expand our product offering coupled with our net purchases of derivatives of $9.8 million. The increase in purchases and sales of investment securities, for both 2011 and 2010 from 2009, is directly related to the execution of our tax harvesting strategy, whereby we sell and repurchase the identical investment securities to realize capital gains. These capital gains offset our capital loss carryforward, and utilize a portion of our related deferred tax assets. Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009, was $2.5 million. Sales of investment securities partially offset by net negative cash flows from related investment hedging activities and purchases of investment securities comprised the majority of this net inflow.

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $120.6 million and largely represents pro rata income tax and equity distributions paid by Calamos Investments LLC to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. and to our non-controlling interests, in the amount of $22.4 million and $80.1 million, respectively. Distributions from Calamos Investments LLC to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. are eliminated upon consolidation and are not reflected in the net cash flows used in financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $127.5 million and largely represents pro rata income tax and equity distributions paid by Calamos Investments LLC to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. and to our non-controlling interests, in the amount of $33.8 million and $121.4 million, respectively. Distributions from Calamos Investments LLC to Calamos Asset Management, Inc. are eliminated upon consolidation and are not reflected in the net cash flows used in financing activities. The increase in net cash used in financing activities principally reflects: 1) increases in tax distribution driven by growing net income attributable to our non-controlling interests, 2) special pro rata equity distributions of $70.0 million, and 3) an increase in our regular quarterly dividend from 5.5 cents per share throughout 2009 to 7.5 cents per share during 2010. Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $57.1 million, and was largely due to equity and tax distributions to non-controlling interest owners, as well as dividends paid to common shareholders. The distributions in 2009 were to non-controlling interests of $52.7 million, which includes distributions for their tax liabilities of $21.2 million, as well as dividends paid to common shareholders of $4.3 million.

 
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Contractual Obligations

The following table contains supplemental information regarding our total contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2011:

   
Payments Due by Period
   
(in thousands)
 
Total
   
Less than
1 Year
   
1-3 Years
   
3-5 Years
   
More than 5 Years
                             
Long-term debt obligations, including interest (1)
  $ 122,255     $ 5,954     $ 58,068     $ 6,064     $ 52,169  
Operating lease obligations (2) 
    62,307       4,984       9,055       8,341       39,927  
Other long-term obligations (3) 
    1,139       358       496       265       20  
Total
  $ 185,701     $ 11,296     $ 67,619     $ 14,670     $ 92,116  
________________
 
(1)
The Company’s senior unsecured notes, which aggregate to $92.1 million, have series maturing in 2014, 2017 and 2019.

(2)
In accordance with GAAP, these obligations are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition.

(3)
Other long-term obligations principally represent commitments under the incentive compensation plan. These obligations are included in dividend payables on restricted stock units in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition.
 
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contracts or purchase obligations with third parties whereby the third parties provide services to or on behalf of the Company. Purchase obligations include executory contracts, which are either non-cancelable or cancelable with a penalty. As of December 31, 2011, the Company’s obligations primarily include standard service contracts for portfolio, market data and office related services. Purchase obligations are recorded in the Company’s financial statements when services are provided. Due to the uncertainty of timing and amounts that will ultimately be paid, the amounts have been excluded from the table above.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Accounting policies are an integral part of our consolidated financial statements. A thorough understanding of these accounting policies is essential when reviewing our reported results of operations and our financial position. Management believes that the critical accounting policies and estimates discussed below involve additional management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods and assumptions used.

Deferred Sales Commissions

Deferred sales commissions represent amounts advanced by us to the selling firm upon sale of Class B and Class C shares of open-end funds. Deferred sales commissions are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period in which 12b-1 fees are received. Annually, we estimate the average remaining life of the Class B share deferred sales commissions to determine the period over which to amortize the remaining Class B share assets on a straight-line basis. Because 12b-1 fees cease upon redemption of shares, amortization expense is accelerated when shares are redeemed, resulting in the reduction of the deferred sales commission asset. These redemptions result in an amortization period not to exceed 12 months for Class C shares and 96 months (eight years) for Class B shares.
We evaluate the carrying value of our deferred sales commissions for impairment on an annual basis. Significant assumptions utilized by us to estimate future average assets under management include expected future market performance and redemption rates. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows and the remaining life of the deferred sales commission asset are made from these assumptions. Market performance assumptions are selected using expected average market returns based on long-term market index benchmarks for each asset class held within the fund. As of our most recent analysis, we used average market return assumptions

 
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ranging from 7% to 9% based on asset class. If the average market returns are higher than estimated, undiscounted cash flows would be greater than those estimated, while lower actual returns on average would generate undiscounted future cash flows less than those estimated. Future redemption assumptions were determined by using the average annual redemption rates that each fund experienced over the prior 24-month period. For Class B shares and Class C shares, we used average historical redemption rates of 30% and 19%, respectively. An increase in the actual rate of redemptions would decrease the undiscounted future cash flows, while a decrease in the actual rate of redemptions would increase undiscounted cash flows. These assumptions are reviewed and updated annually, or when events or changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase the risk of impairment of the asset.

If we determine that the deferred sales commission asset is not recoverable, an impairment condition would exist and a loss would be measured as the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. If the carrying value of the deferred sales commission asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flow, the asset is written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. Impairment adjustments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of amortization of deferred sales commissions. As of each reporting period presented, we determined that no impairment of the deferred commission asset existed, but due to the volatility of the capital markets and the changes in redemption rates, we are unable to predict whether or when future impairment of the deferred sales commission asset might occur.

Compensation Plans

We have an incentive compensation plan that provides for grants of restricted stock unit awards, or RSUs, and stock option awards for certain employees. RSUs are convertible on a one-for-one basis into shares of our common stock. We estimate the fair value of the stock options as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, and recognize the cost of stock based compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Further, we estimate the number of forfeited awards at the grant date. Actual forfeitures may vary from our assumptions, which will result in modifications to future expenses.

Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

Management judgment is required in developing our provision for income taxes, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowances that might be required against deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2011, our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $5.2 million, which was recorded during 2011, to reduce our deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized based on available evidence at the time the estimate was made. The valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets relates to our capital loss carryforward. Determining the valuation allowance requires management to make significant judgments and assumptions. In determining the valuation allowance we used historical and forecasted future realized and unrealized gains and losses on our investments, and future tax planning strategies. Each quarter we re-evaluate our estimate related to the valuation allowance, including our assumptions about future taxable income.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to the valuation allowance, recorded against this deferred tax asset is a critical accounting estimate because the underlying assumptions can change from period to period. For example, tax law changes or market appreciation/depreciation on investments could result in a change in the valuation allowance. If we were not able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, a significant adjustment to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance would be charged to income tax provision in that period.

Management determined that a valuation allowance was not required on our deferred tax assets related to our step-up in tax basis to fair market value for our intangible assets under our election made under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In the event that sufficient taxable income of the same character is not recognized in future years, a valuation allowance may be required. Because the determination of our annual income tax provision is subject to judgments and estimates, it is likely that the actual results will vary from those recorded in our financial statements. Hence, we recognize additions to and reductions in income tax expense during a reporting period that pertains to prior period provisions as our estimated liabilities are revised and our actual tax returns and tax audits are completed.

 
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

We have reviewed all newly issued accounting pronouncements that are applicable to our business and to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, including those not yet required to be adopted. We do not believe any such pronouncements will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Accounting guidance that have not yet become effective with respect to our consolidated financial statements are described below:

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance that requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. An entity should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. Our effective date is January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance that requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. An entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. This update eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, applied prospectively. Our effective date is January 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the application of existing fair value measurement requirements and to change particular principles or requirements for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, applied prospectively. Our effective date is January 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 
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Forward-Looking Information

From time to time, information or statements provided by us or on our behalf, including those within this Annual Report on Form 10-K, may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to future events and financial performance, strategies, expectations and competitive environment, and regulations. These forward-looking statements may include, without limitation: statements regarding proposed new products; results of operations or liquidity; projections, predictions, expectations, estimates or forecasts of our business; financial and operating results and future economic performance; market capitalization; management’s goals and objectives; payment of dividends; and other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

Words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “opportunity,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” “trend,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements.

Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: changes in applicable laws or regulations; downward fee pressures and increased industry competition; risks inherent to the investment management business; the loss of revenues due to contract terminations and redemptions; unsatisfactory service levels by third party vendors; the inability to maintain compliance with financial covenants; the performance of our investment strategies and corporate investment portfolio; our ownership and organizational structure; general and prolonged declines in the prices of securities; realization of deferred income tax assets; significant changes in market conditions and the economy that require a modification to our business plan; catastrophic or unpredictable events; the loss of key executives; the unavailability, consolidation and elimination of third-party retail distribution channels; increased costs of and timing of payments related to distribution; failure to recruit and retain qualified personnel; a loss of assets, and thus revenues; fluctuation in the level of our expenses; fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates with respect to our global operations and business; changes in accounting estimates; poor performance of our largest funds; damage to our reputation; and the extent and timing of any share repurchases.

Further, the value and composition of our assets under management are, and will continue to be, influenced by a variety of factors including, among other things: purchases and redemptions of shares of the open-end funds and other investment products; fluctuation in both the underlying value and liquidity of the financial markets around the world that result in appreciation or depreciation of assets under management; open-end fund capital gain distributions; our ability to access capital markets; our introduction of new investment strategies, products and programs; our ability to educate our clients about our investment philosophy and provide them with best-in-class service; the relative investment performance of our products as compared to competing offerings and market indices; competitive conditions in the mutual fund, asset management and broader financial services sectors; investor sentiment and confidence; our decision to open or close products and strategies; and our ability to execute on our strategic plan to expand the business. Item 1A of this report discusses some of these and other important factors in detail under the caption “Risk Factors.”

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold our securities. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.


 
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Securities Price Sensitivity

Our exposure to market risk is directly related to our role as investment advisors for the Funds and separate accounts we manage. A significant majority of our operating revenue is derived from investment advisory, distribution and portfolio accounting agreements with the Funds and separate accounts. Under these agreements, the fees we receive are typically based on the market value of the assets under management. Accordingly, a decline in the prices of securities generally may cause our revenue and income to decline by causing the value of the assets we manage to decrease or by causing our clients to withdraw funds in favor of investments that they perceive as offering greater opportunity or lower risk.

In addition, a decline in the prices of securities may present market conditions that could preclude us from increasing assets under management and prevent us from realizing higher fee revenue associated with such growth.

We are also subject to market risk, in the form of equity price risk, due to a decline in the prices of our investments in certain investment securities, partnership investments and derivatives. We own investment securities primarily comprised of products we manage.

The following table provides a sensitivity analysis of changes in fair value of our investment securities and partnership investments assuming a 10% increase or decrease in the individual price of each instrument as of December 31, 2011:
                   
         
Carrying Value Assuming
 
(in thousands)
 
Carrying Value
   
10% Increase
   
10% Decrease
 
                   
Available-for-sale securities:
                 
Funds
  $ 314,964     $ 346,460     $ 283,468  
CFS securities:
                       
Funds
    3,403       3,743       3,063  
Common stock
    129       142       116  
Derivative contracts:
                       
Assets
    1,018       1,120       916  
Liabilities
    (3,844 )     (4,228 )     (3,460 )
Partnership investments:
                       
Partnerships
    21,022       23,124       18,920  

In order to reduce the volatility in fair value of the Calamos corporate investment portfolio, we use exchange traded option contracts as an economic hedge against price changes. These major equity market index exchange-traded option contracts are used specifically for hedging the equity price risk of our portfolio. The derivative assets and liabilities seen on our consolidated statements of financial condition are part of a single strategy to minimize the downside risk in the hedged portfolio, while allowing participation in a portion of an appreciating market. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

As of December 31, 2011 we had index exchange-traded option contracts with aggregate market values of $1.0 million and $3.8 million. A 10% adverse change in the option carrying values would result in a decrease of $102,000 in our put option contracts and an increase in our call option liabilities of $384,000.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

As of December 31, 2011, we had an aggregate of $92.1 million of outstanding debt, which consisted of senior unsecured notes of $46.1 million of 6.33% notes due July 15, 2014, $22.1 million of 6.52% notes due July 15, 2017 and $23.9 million of 6.67% notes due July 15, 2019. As these notes have fixed interest rates, we do not believe that they have any interest rate risk.

 
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Other Market Risks

Due to the nature of our business, we believe that we do not face any material credit risk, inflation, interest rate or foreign currency rate risk.

 
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-1
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-2
   
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
F-3
   
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2011 and 2010
F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
F-5
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
F-6
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
F-7
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-8

 
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Calamos Asset Management, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Calamos Asset Management, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Calamos Asset Management, Inc.’s and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 12, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP


Chicago, IL
March 12, 2012



 
F-1

 
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.


We have audited Calamos Asset Management, Inc.'s and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Calamos Asset Management Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial condition of Calamos Asset Management, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 and our report dated March 12, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion.

/s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP


Chicago, IL
March 12, 2012




 
F-2

 
 

 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING


Management of Calamos Asset Management, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of its consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, has been audited by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.



/s/ John P. Calamos, Sr.
 
/s/ Nimish S. Bhatt
John P. Calamos, Sr.
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and Co-Chief Investment Officer
 
Nimish S. Bhatt
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer


March 12, 2012

 
F-3

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 
 (in thousands, except share data)
 
December 31,
   
2011
 
2010
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $
102,166
    $
82,870
 
Receivables:
               
Affiliates and affiliated funds
   
18,492
     
19,320
 
Customers
   
10,035
     
10,351
 
Investment securities
   
318,496
     
314,215
 
Derivative assets
   
1,018
     
4,026
 
Partnership investments, net
   
33,056
     
41,678
 
Prepaid expenses
   
2,964
     
3,087
 
Deferred tax assets, net
   
8,811
     
8,757
 
Other current assets
   
934
     
1,481
 
 Total current assets
   
495,972
     
485,785
 
Non-current assets:
               
Deferred tax assets, net
   
56,707
     
66,960
 
Deferred sales commissions
   
5,444
     
8,515
 
Property and equipment, net
   
22,865
     
26,745
 
Other non-current assets
   
870
     
1,241
 
 Total non-current assets
   
85,886
     
103,461
 
 Total assets
  $
581,858
    $
589,246
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
LIABILITIES
               
Current liabilities:
               
Distribution fees payable
  $
15,860
    $
16,560
 
Accrued compensation and benefits
   
23,681
     
21,411
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
-
     
32,885
 
Interest payable
   
2,729
     
3,026
 
Derivative liabilities
   
3,844
     
5,918
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
   
5,631
     
3,906
 
 Total current liabilities
   
51,745
     
83,706
 
Long-term liabilities:
               
Long-term debt
   
92,115
     
92,115
 
Deferred rent
   
9,423
     
9,456
 
Dividend payables on restricted stock units
   
781
     
577
 
 Total long-term liabilities
   
102,319
     
102,148
 
 Total liabilities
   
154,064
     
185,854
 
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 600,000,000 shares; 24,126,757 shares issued and 20,126,757 shares outstanding at December 31, 2011; 23,942,317 shares issued and 19,942,317 shares outstanding at December 31, 2010
   
241
     
239
 
Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,000 shares; 100 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and  2010
   
0
     
0
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
214,102
     
212,256
 
Retained earnings
   
67,991
     
59,895
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(527)
     
5,841
 
Treasury stock at cost; 4,000,000 shares at December 31, 2011 and 2010
   
(95,215)
     
(95,215)
 
 Calamos Asset Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity
   
186,592
     
183,016
 
Non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interest)
   
229,168
     
218,679
 
Non-controlling interest in partnership investments
   
12,034
     
1,697
 
Total non-controlling interest
   
241,202
   
220,376
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
427,794
   
403,392
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $
581,858
  $
589,246
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
F-4

 
 

 
CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
(in thousands, except share data)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
REVENUES
                 
Investment management fees                                                           
  $ 266,553     $ 238,308     $ 200,790  
Distribution and underwriting fees                                                            
    82,539       84,753       78,430  
Other                                                            
    3,229       2,978       2,518  
Total revenues                                                        
    352,321       326,039       281,738  
EXPENSES
                       
Employee compensation and benefits                                                            
    80,160       75,292       67,413  
Distribution expenses                                                            
    68,981       66,493       59,491  
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
    6,529       9,206       12,201  
Marketing and sales promotion                                                            
    17,107       13,775       10,762  
General and administrative                                                            
    39,195       34,772       33,813  
Total operating expenses                                                        
    211,972       199,538       183,680  
Operating income                                                        
    140,349       126,501       98,058  
NON-OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
                       
Net interest expense                                                           
    (6,361 )     (7,422 )     (7,064 )
Investment and other income                                                           
    22,420       29,084       2,154  
Total non-operating income (loss)                                                        
    16,059       21,662       (4,910 )
Income before income taxes
    156,408       148,163       93,148  
Income tax provision                                                                
    18,497       12,375       7,879  
Net income                                                            
    137,911       135,788       85,269  
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in
Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)
    (122,501 )     (115,788 )     (72,509 )
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest in
partnership investments                                                           
    460       (72 )     (336 )
Net income attributable to Calamos Asset
Management, Inc.                                                       
  $ 15,870     $ 19,928     $ 12,424  
 
Earnings per share:
                       
Basic                                                        
  $ 0.79     $ 1.00     $ 0.63  
Diluted                                                        
  $ 0.77     $ 0.99     $ 0.62  
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
    20,103,758       19,884,847       19,626,233  
Diluted
    20,611,909       20,187,992       19,954,124  
                         
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 0.38     $ 0.30     $ 0.22  


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 
F-5

 
 

 
CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. Stockholders
                   
 (in thousands)
 
Common Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)
   
Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments
   
Total
 
                                                 
Balance at Dec. 31, 2008
  $ 235     $ 207,844     $ 38,010     $ (101 )   $ (95,215 )   $ 158,985     $ 1,289     $ 311,047  
                                                                 
Net income
                12,424                   72,509       336       85,269  
Changes in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes
                      4,951             27,717             32,668  
Reclassification of  unrealized loss on  securities contributed to Calamos Investments LLC
          501             (501 )                        
Total comprehensive  income
                                                            117,937  
Issuance of common stock (170,896 Class A common shares)
    2       (2 )                                    
Cumulative impact of changes in ownership of Calamos Investments LLC
          (303 )     (2 )     13             (153 )           (445 )
Compensation expense recognized under stock incentive plans
          1,855                         6,795             8,650  
Dividend equivalent accrued under stock incentive plans
                (79 )                 (293 )             (372 )
Distributions to non-controlling interests
                                  (52,673 )           (52,673 )
Dividends declared
                (4,318 )                             (4,318 )
                                                                 
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009
  $ 237     $ 209,895     $ 46,035     $ 4,362     $ (95,215 )   $ 212,887     $ 1,625     $ 379,826  
                                                                 
Net income
                19,928                   115,788       72       135,788  
Changes in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes
                      3,880             23,378             27,258  
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on available-for-sale securities included in income, net of income tax
                      (2,478 )           (17,060 )           (19,538 )
Total comprehensive  income
                                                            143,508  
Issuance of common stock (273,734 Class A common shares)
    2       (2 )                                    
Cumulative impact of changes in ownership of Calamos Investments LLC
          388       (3 )     77             (1,652 )           (1,190 )
Compensation expense recognized under stock incentive plans
          1,975                         7,141             9,116  
Dividend equivalent accrued under stock incentive plans
                (104 )                 (376 )           (480 )
Distribution to non-controlling interests
                                  (121,427 )           (121,427 )
Dividends declared
                (5,961 )                             (5,961 )
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010
  $ 239     $ 212,256     $ 59,895     $ 5,841     $ (95,215 )   $ 218,679     $ 1,697     $ 403,392  
                                                                 
Net income
                15,870                   122,501       (460 )     137,911  
Changes in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes
                      (1,765 )           (9,853 )           (11,618 )
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on available-for-sale securities included in income, net of income tax
                      (4,675 )           (26,517 )           (31,192 )
Total comprehensive income
                                                            95,101  
Issuance of common stock (184,440 Class A common shares)
    2       (2 )                                    
Cumulative impact of changes in ownership of Calamos Investments LLC
          135       (3 )     72             (1,247 )           (1,043 )
Compensation expense recognized under stock incentive plans
          1,713                         6,125             7,838  
Dividend equivalent accrued under stock incentive plans
                (123 )                 (439 )           (562 )
Net purchase of  Calamos International Growth Fund LP
                                        12,499       12,499  
Liquidation of Calamos Market Neutral Opportunities Fund LP
                                        (1,702 )     (1,702 )
Distributions to non-controlling interests
                                  (80,081 )           (80,081 )
Dividends declared
                (7,648 )                             (7,648 )
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011
  $ 241     $ 214,102     $ 67,991     $ (527 )   $ (95,215 )   $ 229,168     $ 12,034     $ 427,794  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
F-6

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


   
Year Ended December 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  $ 82,870     $ 145,431     $ 59,425  
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
                       
Net income                                                                        
    137,911       135,788       85,269  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
                       
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
    6,529       9,206       12,201  
Other depreciation and amortization                                                                      
    5,758       7,778       10,281  
Loss on write-off of property and equipment
    27       238        
Deferred rent                                                                      
    (33 )     72       202  
Change in unrealized (gains) losses on CFS securities, derivative assets, derivative liabilities and partnership investments, net
    6,445       (1,808 )     (22,848 )
Net realized (gains) losses on sale of investment securities, derivative assets, derivative liabilities and partnership investment, net
    (24,518 )     (22,018 )     25,810  
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance
    5,200              
Deferred taxes, net                                                                      
    8,736       9,598       6,586  
Stock based compensation                                                                      
    7,838       9,116       8,650  
Employee taxes paid on vesting under stock incentive plans
    (1,038 )     (1,128 )     (293 )
(Increase) decrease in assets:
                       
Receivables:
                       
Affiliates and affiliated funds, net                                                                 
    828       (2,146 )     (3,987 )
Customers                                                                 
    316       (1,036 )     (2,453 )
Deferred sales commissions                                                                   
    (3,458 )     (5,016 )     (6,493 )
Other assets                                                                   
    1,109       461       19,153  
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
                       
Distribution fees payable                                                                   
    (700 )     458       3,674  
Accrued compensation and benefits
    2,270       5,608       5,349  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                                                   
    1,073       (404 )     (470 )
Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                 
    154,293       144,767       140,631  
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
                       
Net additions to property and equipment                                                                        
    (1,982 )     (1,972 )     (2,011 )
Purchases of investment securities                                                                        
    (204,771 )     (425,553 )     (4,472 )
Proceeds from sale of investment securities                                                                        
    182,270       357,903       15,073  
Net purchases of derivatives                                                                        
    (9,101 )     (9,785 )     (5,655 )
Net changes in partnership investments                                                                        
    19,197       (454 )     (418 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (14,387 )     (79,861 )     2,517  
Cash flows used in financing activities:
                       
Repayment of long-term debt                                                                        
    (32,885 )            
(Excess tax liability) deferred tax benefit on vesting under stock incentive plans
    4       (79 )     (151 )
Equity distributions paid to non-controlling interests (Calamos Interest)
    (27,334 )     (76,418 )     (31,523 )
Tax distributions paid to non-controlling interests (Calamos Interest)
    (52,747 )     (45,009 )     (21,150 )
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders
    (7,648 )     (5,961 )     (4,318 )
Net cash used in financing activities                                                                      
    (120,610 )     (127,467 )     (57,142 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    19,296       (62,561 )     86,006  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                                                           
  $ 102,166     $ 82,870     $ 145,431  
                         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid for:
                       
Income taxes                                                                      
  $ 3,109     $ 2,706     $ 469  
Interest                                                                      
  $ 6,864     $ 7,677     $ 7,677  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




 
F-7

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(1)  
Organization and Description of Business

Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (CAM) is a holding company and as of December 31, 2011 owned 21.9% of Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Investments, formerly known as Calamos Holdings LLC). CAM, together with Calamos Investments and Calamos Investments’ subsidiaries (the Company), operates the investment advisory and distribution services businesses reported within these consolidated financial statements. CAM operates and controls all of the business and affairs of Calamos Investments and, as a result of this control, consolidates the financial results of Calamos Investments with its own financial results. The remaining 78.1% ownership interest in Calamos Investments is held by Calamos Family Partners, Inc. (CFP), a Delaware corporation, and John P. Calamos, Sr. the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Investment Officer of CAM. CFP and John P. Calamos, Sr. (collectively Calamos Interests), ownership interest, in accordance with applicable rules, is reflected and referred to within these consolidated financial statements as “non-controlling interests in Calamos Investments LLC”.

The Company primarily provides investment advisory services to individuals and institutional investors through a series of investment products that include open-end and closed-end funds (Funds), separate accounts, offshore funds and partnerships. The subsidiaries through which the Company provides these services include: Calamos Advisors LLC (CAL), a Delaware limited liability company and registered investment advisor; Calamos Financial Services LLC (CFS), a Delaware limited liability company and registered broker-dealer; Calamos Wealth Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and registered investment advisor; and Calamos International LLP, a United Kingdom limited liability partnership, registered investment advisor with the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom, and a global distributor of the Offshore Funds and Company products.

(2)  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), which require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management believes the accounting estimates are appropriate and reasonably stated; however, due to the inherent uncertainties in making estimates, actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

The Company consolidates investments in which the Company’s ownership exceeds 50% or in which the Company operates and controls the business and affairs of the entity. As such, the consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of CAM, Calamos Investments and Calamos Investments’ wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries, and as of December 31, 2011 Calamos International Growth Fund LP and as of December 31, 2010 Calamos Market Neutral Opportunities Fund LP. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The Calamos Interests’ combined 78.1% and 78.3% interest in Calamos Investments at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, is represented as a non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments is derived by multiplying the historical equity of Calamos Investments by the Calamos Interests’ aggregate ownership percentage for the periods presented. Issuances and repurchases of CAM’s common stock may result in changes in CAM’s ownership percentage and to the non-controlling interests’ ownership percentage of Calamos Investments with resulting changes reflected in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity. Income is allocated based on the average ownership interest during the period in which the income is earned.

CAM owns certain assets to which common stockholders have exclusive economic rights. As of December 31, 2011, these assets include cash and cash equivalents of $56.3 million, net deferred tax assets of $65.5 million, net current income taxes receivable of $665,000 and an intercompany receivable of $20,000 that are reported together with Calamos Investments’ consolidated assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Additionally, net income before income taxes, of $156.4 million, $148.2 million and $93.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, each included $166,000, $140,000 and $94,000, respectively, of interest income on cash and cash equivalents held solely by CAM. For the year ended December 31, 2011, net income also included $775,000 of professional fees held solely by CAM. These portions of CAM’s income and expense are not affected by non-controlling interests.

 
F-8

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


Calamos Partners LLC, a former subsidiary of Calamos Investments, was the general partner of Calamos Market Neutral Opportunities Fund LP, a private investment partnership that was primarily comprised of highly liquid marketable securities. During the first quarter of 2011, the Calamos Market Neutral Opportunities Fund LP partnership was liquidated. Up to the time the partnership was liquidated the Company and its affiliates owned a majority interests in this partnership and consolidated the financial results of this partnership into its consolidated financial statements. CAL is the general partner and controls the operations of Calamos International Growth Fund LP, thus the Company consolidated the results of that partnership into its consolidated financial results. The combined interests of these two partnerships, not owned by the Company, are presented as non-controlling interest in partnership investments in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the periods those partnerships were consolidated.

For the periods the partnerships are consolidated, the assets and liabilities of the partnerships are presented on a net basis within partnership investments, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition, the net income is included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations, and the change in partnership investments is included in the net changes in partnership investments in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The partnerships are presented on a net basis in order to provide more clarity to the financial position and results of the core operations of the Company. The underlying assets and liabilities that are being consolidated are described in Note 6.
 
 
The Company holds non-controlling interests in certain other partnership investments that are included in partnership investments, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition. These other partnership investments are accounted for under the equity method.

Financial Instruments

All highly liquid financial instruments with maturities of three months or less from date of purchase, consisting primarily of investments in money market funds, commercial paper and U.S. government securities, are considered cash equivalents.

The fair value of long-term debt, which has a total carrying value of $92.1 million and $125.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, was $109.6 million and $141.4 million, respectively. Fair value estimates are calculated using discounted cash flows based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rates for the debt and market prices for similar bonds at the measurement date. This method of assessing fair value may differ from the actual amount realized.

The carrying value of all other financial instruments approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these financial instruments.

Receivables from Customers

Receivables from customers represent balances arising from contractual investment advisory services provided to separate account customers and are recorded on an accrual basis. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 provisions for bad debt expense and as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 allowance for doubtful accounts were not material.

Investment Securities

The Company carries its investment securities at fair value. For a majority of the Company’s investments, fair values are determined based upon quoted prices in active markets. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses matrix, model or other similar pricing methods to determine fair value. Investment securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis.

With the exception of the securities held by CFS, investment securities are classified as available-for-sale as the Company does not intend to trade these securities in the near term. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported, net of income tax, as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized.

Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific identification basis and are included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations.

As a registered broker-dealer, CFS investment securities are classified as trading securities, and are carried at fair value with all changes in the value of the securities going through current earnings. Therefore, both realized and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations.


 
F-9

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


On a quarterly basis, the Company conducts reviews to assess whether other-than-temporary impairment exists on its available-for-sale investment securities. Other-than-temporary declines in value may exist when the fair value of an investment security has been below the carrying value for an extended period of time. If an other-than-temporary decline in value is determined to exist, the unrealized investment loss, net of tax is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the other-than-temporary decline in value occurs, as well as an accompanying permanent adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities

From time to time the Company enters into derivative contracts to mitigate the negative impact that changes in security prices may have on the investment portfolio. The Company does not measure effectiveness or meet the criteria for hedge accounting and, therefore, records the changes in the fair value of these instruments in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company classifies derivative securities owned as derivative assets and derivative liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to twenty years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining term of the lease, ranging from five to twenty years.

Internally Developed Software

Certain internal and external development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use are capitalized. These capitalized costs are included in property and equipment, net on the consolidated statements of financial condition and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from three to ten years. On a quarterly basis, the Company conducts reviews to assess whether an impairment of these assets exists. Impairments of these assets, if any, are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the impairment occurs.

Compensation Plans

The Company has an incentive stock plan that provides for certain employees of the Company to receive stock based compensation in the form of restricted stock units (RSUs) and stock options. RSUs are convertible on a one-for-one basis into shares of the Company’s common stock. Stock option awards are based on shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company estimates the fair value of the options as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Stock based compensation expense is recognized based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The Company records compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period.

Revenue Recognition

The Company earns investment management fees by providing services pursuant to the terms of the underlying advisory contract. Fees are based on a contractual investment advisory fee applied to the assets in each portfolio. Any fees collected in advance are deferred and recognized over the period earned. Performance-based advisory fees from certain separate accounts are recognized annually upon completion of the contract year and based upon either (1) the positive difference between the investment returns on a client’s portfolio compared to a benchmark index or (2) the absolute percentage of gain in the client’s account. Performance-based advisory fees from the open-end funds are recognized monthly when earned and are based upon the differences between the investment returns of the respective fund compared to a benchmark index.

Distribution and underwriting fees consist primarily of Rule 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees from the open-end funds, contingent deferred sales charges on the redemption of open-end fund shares and sales charges earned on open-end funds. Distribution service fees are accrued monthly as services are performed and are based on the average daily assets of the open-end funds. Contingent deferred sales charge fees are recorded on a trade date basis when earned, and sales charges are recorded on the settlement date.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense represents interest expense incurred on debt net of interest income generated from cash and cash equivalents. Interest income is recognized when earned, and interest expense is recorded when incurred.

 
F-10

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

Investment and Other Income

Investment and other income is primarily comprised of: realized gains (losses) from all investment securities and partnership investments; unrealized gains (losses) on CFS investment securities and partnership investments; realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives; gains (losses) on foreign currency translation; and dividend income. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date.

Deferred Sales Commissions

Deferred sales commissions are amounts advanced by the Company on the sale of Class B and Class C shares of the open-end funds. Deferred sales commissions are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period in which 12b-1 fees are received, not to exceed 12 months for Class C shares and 96 months (8 years) for Class B shares. Because 12b-1 fees cease upon redemption of shares, amortization expense is accelerated when shares are redeemed, resulting in the reduction of the deferred sales commission asset. During 2009, the Company discontinued the sale of Class B shares; however, the consolidated statements of financial condition continue to reflect the unamortized deferred sales commissions related to this share class.

The Company performs an impairment analysis annually, whereby it compares the carrying value of the deferred sales commission asset to the undiscounted cash flow expected to be generated by the asset over its remaining useful life to determine whether impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flow, the asset is written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. Impairment adjustments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of amortization of deferred sales commissions. As of each reporting period presented, the Company determined that no impairment of the deferred sales commission asset existed.

Separately, the Company periodically reviews the average remaining lives of these assets and adjusts the periodic amortization expense accordingly, resulting in an increase or decrease to the amortization of deferred sales commissions that is reported in the consolidated statements of operations.

During the second quarter of 2009, the Company changed the estimated remaining lives on the portion of its deferred sales commission assets related to Class B shares. This change in estimate extended the expected lives of these assets and reduced the quarterly amortization of deferred sales commissions by $1.7 million at that time.

Foreign Currency

Foreign currency balances are revalued into U.S. dollars, which is our functional currency, at prevailing exchange rates on the reporting date. Revenues earned and expenses incurred in foreign currency are revalued at average exchange rates during the reporting period. Gains and losses arising from the revaluation of account balances denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in investment and other income in the consolidated statement of operations.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. During 2011, the Company recorded a $5.2 million valuation allowance to reduce our deferred income tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized based on available evidence at the time estimates are made. Determining a valuation allowance requires management to make significant judgments and assumptions. In determining a valuation allowance the Company use historical and forecasted future realized and unrealized gains and losses on its investment, ongoing tax planning strategies, and forecasts of future taxable income. Each quarter the Company re-evaluates its estimates related to its valuation allowance, including its assumptions about future taxable income. As of December 31, 2011, the Company’s valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets was $5.2 million and related to its capital loss carryforward. The Company capital loss carryforward is used against realized gains on its investment, derivative assets, derivative liabilities and partnership investments, using our tax harvesting strategies. There was no valuation allowance as of December 31, 2010.

Future interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in income tax provision when determined. The Company did not record any accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions through December 31, 2011.


 
F-11

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in marketing and sales promotion expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, advertising costs were $4.7 million, $3.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to CAM by the weighted average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during each year. Shares issued or repurchased during the year are weighted for the portion of the year that they were outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if RSUs and stock options granted to participants of the Company incentive compensation plan were exercised and if the Calamos Interests exchanged all of their ownership interest in Calamos Investments and their Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock. Diluted shares which result in anti-dilution are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation and are detailed in Note 16.

(3)  
Related-Party Transactions

CAL provides investment management and portfolio accounting services to the open-end funds and the closed-end funds. CFS acts as the sole distributor of the U.S. open-end funds. Calamos International LLP is the sole global distributor of the Offshore Funds. The Company earns management, distribution and portfolio accounting fees for these services that are accrued and settled monthly. The table below summarizes the total fees earned from affiliates identified above during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Investment management fees from:
                 
Open-end funds
  $ 169,596     $ 150,963     $ 122,956  
Closed-end funds
    49,102       45,149       38,540  
Totals
  $ 218,698     $ 196,112     $ 161,496  
                         
Distribution fees from open-end funds
  $ 80,022     $ 81,277     $ 73,686  
                         
Portfolio accounting fees from:
                       
Open-end funds
  $ 2,441     $ 2,232     $ 1,846  
Closed-end funds
    613       571       497  
Totals
  $ 3,054     $ 2,803     $ 2,343  

Calamos Investments is party to a lease with 1111 Warrenville Road LLC, a subsidiary of Calamos Property Holdings LLC (CPH). In January 2011, Calamos Investments and 1111 Warrenville Road LLC amended the lease in order to extend the term for two years with automatic one year renewals and to increase the base rent accordingly. Rent under the lease commenced in August 2005 and will end on December 31, 2012. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 annual base rent and operating expense payments were $793,000, $851,000 and $822,000, respectively. Annual base rent payments increase by 3% annually for the remaining term of the lease.

Calamos Investments is party to a 20-year lease with 2020 Calamos Court LLC, a subsidiary of CPH, with respect to the corporate headquarters constructed for the Company’s occupancy. Rent under the lease commenced in April 2005 and will end on May 31, 2025. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 annual base rent payments were $3.4 million, $3.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively. Annual base rent payments increase by 3% annually for the remaining term of the lease. Calamos Investments may not terminate the lease unless a casualty, condemnation or temporary government taking affects all or a substantial portion of the leased premises. 2020 Calamos Court LLC may only terminate the lease upon specified events of default, which are subject to applicable grace periods.


 
F-12

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


Calamos Investments is party to an agreement with Primacy Business Center LLC (Primacy), a subsidiary of CFP, where office space at the Company’s corporate headquarters is subleased to Primacy. The original lease was due to expire December 31, 2011, but has been automatically extended to expire December 31, 2012. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, Calamos Investments recognized sublease rental income of $226,000, $558,000 and $366,000, respectively, which is classified as other income and included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations.

Calamos Investments is party to a 20-year lease with 2020 Calamos Court Annex LLC, a subsidiary of CPH, with respect to the cafeteria in the Company’s corporate headquarters. Rent under the lease commenced in December 2005 and will end on May 31, 2025. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 annual base rent and operating expense payments were $287,000, $310,000 and $283,000, respectively. Annual base rent payments increase by 3% annually for the remaining term of the lease.

Calamos Investments is party to an agreement with CF Restaurant Enterprises LLC (CFRE), a subsidiary of CFP, where CFRE provides food and beverage services to Calamos Investments. Calamos Investments guarantees minimum daily revenues and CFRE agrees that certain quantities and combinations of food and beverage will be available at a predetermined price. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, Calamos Investments incurred expenses of $969,000, $823,000 and $815,000, respectively.

Calamos Investments is party to a 7.5 year lease with CityGate Centre I LLC (CityGate Centre), a subsidiary of CPH, with respect to office space. Rent payments under the lease commenced in May 2008 and will end on April 30, 2015. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 annual base rent and operating expense payments were $885,00, $862,000 and $858,000, respectively. Annual base rent payments increase by 2.5% annually. Calamos Investments has been granted two options to extend the term of the lease for five years each, and has a right of first offer to lease additional contiguous space in the building.

Calamos Investments headquarter campus, as part of CityGate Centre, is utilized by the Company to promote its business and brand awareness both in the local community and with its visiting strategic clients. CityGate Centre, through its related affiliates, offers amenities such as hotel accommodations, restaurants and event planning services.  For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, Calamos Investments had expense payments of $596,000, $278,000 and $159,000, respectively, related to these services. 

Dragon Leasing Corporation (Dragon) is an affiliated company controlled by a principal of the Company. Prior to February 2009, CAL was party to a non-exclusive aircraft lease agreement with Dragon whereby CAL had use of an airplane for business travel. Under this agreement CAL agreed to pay for maintenance and transportation services which are reflected in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2009 these expenses were $135,000.

CFP, CPH and Dragon have each entered into agreements with CAM, whereby the parties provide to each other certain services and resources, including furnishing office space and equipment, providing insurance coverage, overseeing the administration of their businesses and providing personnel to perform certain management and administrative services. These agreements have a term of one year and are renewable annually. The agreements are terminable on 30 days notice by either party. In accordance with the terms of the agreements, the parties have agreed to pay each other an amount equal to the direct out-of-pocket expenses paid or incurred plus an allocation of indirect expenses, such as employee compensation and benefits.

The following table summarizes fees that have been recorded as expense allocations during the twelve months ended and the net receivable balance as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Expense allocated from the Company to CPH
  $ 594     $ 746     $ 962  
Expense allocated from the Company to CFP
    328       369       579  
Expense allocated from the Company to Dragon
    18       40       55  
Total expenses allocated from the Company to affiliates
    940       1,155       1,596  
Expense allocated from CPH and CFP to the Company
    199       173       975  
Net expense allocated from the Company to affiliates
  $ 741     $ 982     $ 621  
                         
Net receivable for management services from CPH
  $ 50     $ 57     $ 50  
Net receivable (payable) for management services from CFP
  $ (1 )   $ 15     $ 17  
Net receivable for management services from Dragon
  $ 1     $ 3     $ 4  

 
F-13

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


As a result of the control exercised by CFP, none of our agreements with CFP and other companies controlled by them are deemed to be negotiated on “arm’s length” terms. However, any such agreements since our initial public offering have been approved in accordance with the Conflict of Interests Policy contained in our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

(4)  
Investment Securities

The following table provides a summary of investment securities as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

(in thousands)
                       
December 31, 2011
 
Cost
   
Unrealized Gains
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Available-for-sale securities:
                       
Funds
                       
Equity
  $ 179,459     $ 8,700     $ (15,046 )   $ 173,113  
Fixed income
    88,329       14       (4,566 )     83,777  
Low-volatility equity
    47,581       9,803       (671 )     56,713  
Other
    1,683       28       (350 )     1,361  
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 317,052     $ 18,545     $ (20,633 )   $ 314,964  
                                 
CFS securities:
                               
Funds
                               
Equity
  $ 3,004     $ 399     $     $ 3,403  
Common stock
    55       74             129  
Total CFS securities
  $ 3,059     $ 473     $     $ 3,532  
                                 
Total investment securities
                          $ 318,496  


(in thousands)
                       
December 31, 2010
 
Cost
   
Unrealized Gains
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Available-for-sale securities:
                       
Funds
                       
Equity
  $ 129,280     $ 32,483     $ (3 )   $ 161,760  
Fixed income
    89,712       18       (425 )     89,305  
Low-volatility equity
    45,219       12,580       (1 )     57,798  
Other
    1,579       51       (242 )     1,388  
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 265,790     $ 45,132     $ (671 )   $ 310,251  
                                 
CFS securities:
                               
Funds
                               
Equity
  $ 3,004     $ 834     $     $ 3,838  
Common stock
    56       70             126  
Total CFS securities
  $ 3,060     $ 904     $     $ 3,964  
                                 
Total investment securities
                          $ 314,215  

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, investments in funds were $318.4 million and $314.1 million, respectively, of which $276.1 million and $270.9 million, respectively, were invested in affiliated funds.

 
F-14

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


The aggregate fair value of available-for-sale investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $252.2 million and $83.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the cumulative losses on securities that had been in a continuous loss position for 12 months or longer totaled $4.6 million.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company believes that the unrealized losses attributed to its fund investments are only temporary in nature, as these losses are a result of short-term declines in the net asset value of the funds. Further, the Company has the intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery of the market value.

The following table provides a summary of changes in investment securities for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 (in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Available-for-sale securities:
                 
Proceeds from sales                                                                  
  $ 182,270     $ 357,903     $  
Gross realized gains on sales                                                                  
  $ 28,762     $ 27,959     $  
Unrealized gains (losses)                                                                  
  $ (12,613 )   $ 29,869     $ 34,778  
Net gains reclassified out of accumulated other
comprehensive income to earnings                                                                 
  $ 33,937     $ 21,289     $  
                         
CFS securities:
                       
Unrealized gains (losses)                                                                  
  $ (432 )   $ 855     $ 9,808  

(5)
Derivative Assets and Liabilities

In order to reduce the volatility equity markets have on the fair value of the Company’s corporate investment portfolio and to ensure compliance with its debt covenants, the Company uses exchange traded option contracts as an economic hedge of price changes in its investment securities portfolio. The Company's investment securities, totaling $318.5 million at December 31, 2011, consist primarily of positions in several Calamos equity, fixed income and low-volatility equity funds. The equity price risk in the investment portfolio is hedged using exchange-traded option contracts that correlate most closely with the change in value of the portfolio being hedged. The use of these option contracts is part of a hedge overlay strategy to minimize downside risk in the hedged portfolio, while participating in a portion of the upside of a market rally. The Company may adjust its hedge position in response to movement and volatility in prices and changes in the composition of the hedged portfolio, but generally is not actively buying and selling contracts.

The fair value of option contracts is reported in derivative assets and derivative liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Net gains and losses on these contracts are reported in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations with net losses of $10.0 million, $9.9 million and $21.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company is using these derivatives for risk management purposes but has not designated the contracts as hedges for accounting purposes.


 
F-15

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


(6)
Partnership Investments

Presented below are the underlying assets and liabilities of the partnerships that the Company reports on a net consolidated basis, as well as partnership investments that the Company accounts for under the equity method. These investments are presented collectively as partnership investments, net in its consolidated statements of financial condition as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Consolidated partnerships:
           
Securities owned                                                                                     
  $ 11,471     $ 16,365  
Deposits with broker                                                                                     
    651       11,128  
Other current assets                                                                                     
    64       69  
Securities sold but not yet purchased                                                                                     
    -       (7,175 )
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities                                                                                     
    (127 )     (62 )
Total                                                                                  
    12,059       20,325  
                 
Equity method investment in partnerships                                                                                        
    20,997       21,353  
                 
Partnership investments, net                                                                                    
  $ 33,056     $ 41,678  

 During 2011, the Company liquidated the Market Neutral Opportunities Fund LP for total proceeds of $18.7 million and realized capital gains of $1.5 million, net of non-controlling interests.

The Company holds a non-controlling interest in Calamos Global Opportunities Fund LP and therefore, accounted for this investment using the equity method. This investment is presented as equity method investment in partnerships in the table above. During the second quarter of 2011, the Company sold part of Calamos Global Opportunities Fund LP’s investments for total proceeds of $20.3 million and realized capital gains of $2.7 million. This transaction was executed as a part of the Company’s tax harvesting strategy to utilize tax loss carry-forwards that was implemented during 2010. The proceeds from the sale were reinvested into the partnership.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company became a general partner of Calamos International Growth Fund LP. Due to the Company’s control of the partnership operations, the Company consolidates this partnership on a net basis with the underlying assets reflected in Partnership investments, net in the table above.

 As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company held non-controlling interests in another partnership and therefore, accounted for this investment using the equity method. This investment is presented as equity method investment in partnerships in the table above.

(7)
Fair Value Measurements

The Company utilizes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 — observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets; Level 2 — inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly (including quoted prices of similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.); and Level 3 — unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, and require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. For each period presented, the Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value using Level 3 measurements. Transfers between levels are measured at the end of the reporting period. The Company had no transfers between levels during the reporting periods.

 
F-16

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


Investments are presented in the consolidated financial statements at fair value in accordance with GAAP. Investments in open-end funds are stated at fair value based on end of day published net asset values of shares owned by the Company. Investments in securities traded on a national securities exchange are stated at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation. Other securities, including derivatives, traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are stated at the last quoted bid price. However, short sales positions and call options written are reported at the last quoted asked price. Convertible bonds, fixed income securities and other securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value based on observable inputs such as market prices for similar instruments as validated by third party pricing agencies and the Company’s prime broker.

The following tables provide the hierarchy of inputs used to derive the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. Foreign currency contracts are carried in our partnership investments and are presented on a net basis where the right of offset exists, and had no impact for either period presented.
 
       
     Fair Value Measurements Using
 
(in thousands)
 
Description
 
December 31, 2011
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
and Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
           
 
Money market funds
  $
3,983
  $
3,983
  $
               
 
Investment securities (Note 4)
           
 
Funds
           
 
Equity                                                     
 
176,516
 
176,516
 
 
Fixed income                                                      
 
83,777
 
83,777
 
 
Low-volatility equity                                                      
 
56,713
 
56,713
 
 
Other                                                      
 
1,361
 
1,361
 
 
Total Funds                                                    
 
318,367
 
318,367
 
               
 
Common stock                                                        
 
129
 
129
 
 
Investment securities
 
318,496
 
318,496
 
               
 
Derivative assets (Note 5)
           
 
Exchange-traded put option contracts
 
1,018
 
1,018
 
               
 
Derivative liabilities (Note 5)
           
 
Exchange-traded call option contracts
 
(3,844)
 
(3,844)
 
               
 
Securities and derivatives owned by
partnership (Note 6)
           
 
Common stocks
 
11,471
 
11,261
 
210
 
Fixed income
 
626
 
 
626
     
12,097
 
11,261
 
836
 
Securities sold but not yet purchased
by partnership (Note 6)
           
 
Common stocks
 
(72)
 
(72)
 
 
Exchange-traded foreign exchange contracts
 
(31)
 
(31)
 
     
(103)
 
(103)
 
 
Total
  $
331,647
  $
330,811
  $
836

 
F-17

 

 
CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 

       
     Fair Value Measurements Using
 
(in thousands)
 
Description
 
December 31, 2010
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
and Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
           
 
Money market funds
  $
35,392
  $
35,392
  $
               
 
Investment securities (Note 4)
           
 
Funds
           
 
Equity                                                     
 
165,598
 
165,598
 
 
Fixed income                                                      
 
89,305
 
89,305
 
 
Low-volatility equity                                                      
 
57,798
 
57,798
 
 
Other                                                      
 
1,388
 
1,388
 
 
Total Funds                                                    
 
314,089
 
314,089
 
               
 
Common stock                                                        
 
126
 
126
 
 
Investment securities
 
314,215
 
314,215
 
               
 
Derivative assets (Note 5)
           
 
Exchange-traded put option contracts
 
4,026
 
4,026
 
               
 
Derivative liabilities (Note 5)
           
 
Exchange-traded call option contracts
 
(5,918)
 
(5,918)
 
               
 
Securities and derivatives owned by
partnership (Note 6)
           
 
Convertible bonds                                                        
 
16,140
 
 
16,140
 
Purchased options                                                        
 
145
 
145
 
 
Common stocks                                                        
 
80
 
80
 
     
16,365
 
225
 
16,140
 
Securities sold but not yet purchased
by partnership (Note 6)
           
 
Common stocks
 
(7,165)
 
(7,165)
 
 
Exchange-traded call option contracts
 
(10)
 
(10)
 
     
(7,175)
 
(7,175)
 
 
Total
  $
356,905
  $
340,765
  $
16,140

 
 
F-18

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


(8)
Property and Equipment

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, property and equipment and related accumulated depreciation were as follows:

(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Property and equipment
           
Furniture, fixtures and equipment                                                            
  $ 26,871     $ 26,884  
Leasehold improvements                                                            
    31,770       31,557  
Computer software                                                            
    17,057       15,816  
Total costs
    75,698     $ 74,257  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (52,833 )     (47,512 )
Property and equipment, net                                                         
  $ 22,865     $ 26,745  

Computer software includes both internally developed software and software purchased.

 (9)  Loans Payable

The Company may utilize margin loans for the settlement of call options, as well as an additional source of liquidity. The interest rate charged on the margin loans during the year-ended December 31, 2011 was 2.5% per annum, and was based on the Company’s average debt balance and brokerage firm’s lending rate. These loans are due on demand. The Company can borrow up to 70% of its marginable securities on deposit with its brokerage firm. The Company had no margin loan balances outstanding at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
 
(10)
Long-term Debt

In April 2004, Calamos Investments issued $150 million aggregate principal amount of 5.24% senior unsecured notes due April 29, 2011 to various note purchasers in a private placement. In July 2007, Calamos Investments completed a private debt offering of $375 million aggregate principal senior unsecured notes, with three series consisting of $197 million of 6.33% notes due July 15, 2014, $85 million of 6.52% notes due July 15, 2017 and $93 million of 6.67% notes due July 15, 2019. In December 2008, the Company prepaid $400 million of its outstanding long-term debt and re-negotiated its debt covenants. In April 2011, the outstanding balance of the $150 million senior unsecured notes, totaling $32.9 million, became due and was paid. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the outstanding balances of the notes totaled $92.1 million and $125.0, respectively.

 The table below summarizes the long-term debt balance at December 31, 2011 and 2010:

(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Senior unsecured notes
           
5.24% notes due April 29, 2011                                                              
  $     $ 32,885  
6.33% notes due July 15, 2014                                                              
    46,160       46,160  
6.52% notes due July 15, 2017                                                              
    22,100       22,100  
6.67% notes due July 15, 2019                                                              
    23,855       23,855  
Total senior unsecured notes                                                              
    92,115       125,000  
Less current portion of long-term debt                                                                  
          (32,885 )
Total long-term debt                                                              
  $ 92,115     $ 92,115  


 
F-19

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


The table below summarizes the aggregate contractual annual maturities for long-term debt balance at December 31, 2011:

(in thousands)
 
Contractual
Maturities
 
       
       
2012                                                              
  $  
2013                                                              
     
2014                                                              
    46,160  
2015                                                              
     
2016                                                              
     
Thereafter                                                              
    45,955  
Total long-term debt                                                              
  $ 92,115  

Under the amended note purchase agreements governing the terms of these notes, Calamos Investments must maintain certain consolidated net worth in addition to leverage, investment and interest coverage ratios. The amended note purchase agreements also contain other covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of Calamos Investments’ subsidiaries to incur debt and restrict the ability of Calamos Investments or its subsidiaries to create liens and to merge or consolidate, or sell or convey all or substantially all of Calamos Investments’ assets and places certain limitations on distributions and redemptions of equity interests. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.

The weighted average interest rate on the notes is 6.46% over the remaining life of the notes.

(11)
Common Stock

All shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are identical and entitle the holders to the same rights and privileges, including dividend rights and liquidity rights, unless otherwise required by law. However, the holders of Class B Common Stock possess super-voting rights in the Company of 97.5%.

(12)
Profit Sharing Plan

The Company contributes to a defined contribution profit sharing plan (the PSP Plan) covering substantially all employees. Contributions to the PSP Plan are at the discretion of the Company and include discretionary profit sharing and matching components. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded expense for the contributions to the PSP Plan in the amounts of $3.5 million, $3.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively. This expense is included in employee compensation and benefits on the consolidated statements of operations.


 
F-20

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


(13)
Stock Based Compensation

Certain employees of the Company receive stock based compensation comprised of RSUs and stock options under the Company’s incentive compensation plan, which is designed to retain key employees. A total of 10,000,000 shares of CAM’s common stock may be granted under the plan. Historically, RSUs have been settled with newly issued shares so that no cash was used by the Company to settle awards; however, the Company may also use treasury shares upon the exercise of stock options and upon conversion of RSUs.

RSUs entitle each recipient to receive a share of Class A common stock and a dividend equivalent to the actual dividends declared on CAM’s Class A common stock. RSUs are granted with no strike price and, therefore, the Company receives no proceeds when the RSUs vest. These awards, including accrued dividends, vest at the end of the restriction period, generally not to exceed six years after the grant date, and are expensed on a straight line basis over this period. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, 538,297 RSUs, 529,161 RSUs and 705,224 RSUs with an estimated fair value of $7.1 million, $6.7 million and $5.8 million, respectively, were awarded to employees of the Company in accordance with the provisions of the plan. A summary of the RSU activity follows:

   
Number
Of
Shares
   
Weighted
Average Fair Value of RSUs
Granted
 
             
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    1,043,081     $ 22.96  
Granted
    705,224       8.21  
Forfeited
    (24,951 )     17.58  
Exercised upon vesting
    (203,693 )     19.51  
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    1,519,661       16.67  
Granted
    529,161       12.69  
Forfeited
    (52,370 )     14.48  
Exercised upon vesting
    (367,532 )     15.94  
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
    1,628,920       15.61  
Granted
    538,297       13.21  
Forfeited
    (102,851 )     13.06  
Exercised upon vesting
    (245,629 )     17.81  
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
    1,818,737       14.75  
                 
Converted during the year ended December 31:
         
2009
    170,896     $ 19.51  
2010
    273,734       15.94  
2011
    184,440       17.04  

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had 1,818,737 RSUs outstanding with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.9 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $22.8 million. The weighted average fair value of RSUs at the date of grant for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $13.21, $12.69 and $8.21 per share, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value and the fair value of RSUs that vested and were exercised during 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $4.2 million, $4.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, 245,629 RSUs, 367,532 RSUs and 203,693 RSUs, respectively, were exercised and, after 61,189 RSUs, 93,798 RSUs and 32,797 RSUs, respectively, were withheld for taxes, 184,440 RSUs, 273,734 RSUs and 170,896 RSUs, respectively, were converted, on a one-for-one basis, for shares of CAM’s Class A common stock. The total intrinsic value and the fair value of the converted shares were $3.1 million, $3.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The total tax benefit realized in connection with the exercise of the RSUs during 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $356,000, $389,000 and $164,000,

 
F-21

 

CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


respectively, as the Company receives tax benefits equal to the fair value of CAM’s common stock on the exercise date, less the amount attributable to the non-controlling interest.

Stock options entitle each recipient to purchase a share of Class A common stock in exchange for the stated exercise price upon vesting of each award. Under the plan, the exercise price of each option, which has a 10-year life, equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. No awards were granted during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

In May 2009, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Corporation’s Incentive Compensation Plan to allow for a stock option exchange program (the Program) designed to provide eligible employees an opportunity to exchange certain outstanding underwater stock options for a lesser amount of new options to be granted for a lower exercise price. The number of new stock options was determined using an exchange ratio designed to result in a fair value of the new stock options being approximately equal to the fair value of the stock options that were surrendered for exchange. The Company did not incur any incremental expense from the exchange program since the fair value of the new awards did not exceed the fair value of the awards surrendered. The Program expired on July 23, 2009 whereby 264,547 eligible stock options were tendered in exchange for 197,712 new options (net exchange of 66,835 options). The exercise price of the new stock options was $17.80, which is 120% of the closing price of the Company’s Class A common stock as of the exchange date.

Summarized information on the Company’s outstanding stock options at December 31, 2011 is as follows:

     
Options Outstanding
   
Options Exercisable
 
Range of
Exercise
Prices
   
Number
of
Shares
   
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
   
Weighted
Average
Option
Price
   
Number
of
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Option
Price
 
                                 
$ 17.80       175,688       4.9     $ 17.80       74,074     $ 17.80  
$ 18.00 - $29.11       1,906,776       4.7       22.11       876,487       22.44  
$ 35.43       262,599       4.1       35.43       175,066       35.43  
          2,345,063       4.6       23.28       1,125,627       24.15  

The outstanding options do not have an intrinsic value as the exercise price exceeded the market value.


 
F-22

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


A summary of the stock option activity is as follows:
 
   
Number
Of
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
             
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    2,588,326     $ 24.01  
Granted
           
Stock options exchanged, net
    (66,835 )     28.60  
Forfeited
    (51,210 )     21.18  
Exercised
           
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    2,470,281       23.08  
Granted
           
Forfeited
    (58,415 )     19.43  
Exercised
           
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
    2,411,866       23.17  
Granted
           
Forfeited
    (66,803 )     19.43  
Exercised
           
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
    2,345,063       23.28  
                 

 
 
Exercisable at December 31:
           
2009
    425,426     $ 20.09  
2010
    779,191       22.24  
2011
    1,125,627       24.15  

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 compensation expense recorded in connection with the RSUs and stock options was $7.8 million, $9.1 million and $8.6 million, respectively, of which $1.7 million, $2.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively, was credited as additional paid-in capital. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 the amount of deferred tax asset created was $634,000, $731,000 and $686,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, $16.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock option and RSU awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average service period of 3.5 years.

(14)
Non-Operating Income (Loss)

Non-operating income (loss) was comprised of the following components for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Interest income
  $ 289     $ 379     $ 737  
Interest expense
    (6,650 )     (7,801 )     (7,801 )
Net interest expense
    (6,361 )     (7,422 )     (7,064 )
                         
Investment income (loss)
    17,617       24,296       (2,511 )
Dividend income
    4,605       4,390       4,432  
Miscellaneous other income
    198       398       233  
Investment and other income
    22,420       29,084       2,154  
                         
Non-operating income (loss)
  $ 16,059     $ 21,662     $ (4,910 )
                         

 
F-23

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


 (15)
 Income Taxes

The income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 consists of the following:

(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Current:
                 
Federal
  $ 3,527     $ 1,946     $ 773  
State:
                       
CAM portion
    458       314       189  
Calamos Interests portion
    570       517       331  
Total current income taxes
    4,555       2,777       1,293  
                         
Deferred:
                       
Federal
    12,713       8,861       6,059  
State
    1,229       737       527  
Total deferred income taxes
    13,942       9,598       6,586  
Total income tax provision
  $ 18,497     $ 12,375     $ 7,879  

Calamos Investments is subject to certain income-based state taxes; therefore, income tax provision reflects not only the portion attributed to CAM stockholders but also a portion of income tax provision attributable to non-controlling interests.

The Company files income tax returns in federal, states and foreign tax jurisdictions. The Company is subject to U.S. federal, state and local examinations by tax authorities for years 2004-2006 and 2008-2011. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) completed its examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for years 2004, 2005 and 2006 in the third quarter of 2008. The IRS proposed adjustments that increased Calamos Investments’ taxable income by $1.3 million (plus additional amounts asserted by the IRS as interest and penalties), approximately 23% of which were attributed to CAM. The proposed IRS adjustments attributable to CAM were agreed upon and recorded as a current tax expense in 2009. Calamos Investments’ proposed penalties are currently under appeal.

The IRS completed its examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for 2008 in the third quarter of 2010. The IRS proposed adjustments that increased Calamos Investments’ taxable income by $586,000 (plus interest asserted by the IRS), approximately 21% of which were attributed to CAM. The proposed IRS adjustments attributable to CAM were agreed upon and recorded as a current tax expense in 2010. The Company is currently under examination by the IRS for years 2009 and 2010.


 
F-24

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


The following table reconciles the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate
    35.0 %     34.0 %     34.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits
    2.0 %     1.9 %     2.0 %
Other non-deductible items                                                           
    0.3 %     0.3 %     0.4 %
Calamos Investments’ state income taxes
    2.1 %     2.0 %     1.5 %
Impact deferred tax assets valuation allowance
    15.3 %            
Impact on net deferred tax assets from change in
statutory income tax rate                                                          
          0.8 %     0.9 %
Effective income tax rate                                                           
    54.7 %     39.0 %     38.8 %
Calamos Interests state income taxes                                                           
    (1.7 %)     (1.7 %)     (1.0 %)
CAM effective income tax rate                                                           
    53.0 %     37.3 %     37.8 %

Deferred income taxes reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The significant components of deferred income taxes at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Deferred tax assets:
           
Intangible assets                                                                                                   
  $ 58,202     $ 66,116  
Capital loss carryforward                                                                                                   
    10,229       11,058  
Valuation allowance                                                                                                   
    (5,200 )      
Unrealized net holding losses on investments of available-for-sale securities
    169        
Other                                                                                                   
    3,340       3,412  
Total deferred tax assets                                                                                                      
    66,740       80,586  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Unrealized net holding gains on investments of available-for-sale securities
          3,571  
Deferred sales commission                                                                                                   
    459       706  
Other                                                                                                   
    763       592  
Total deferred tax liabilities                                                                                                      
    1,222       4,869  
Net deferred tax assets                                                                                                      
  $ 65,518     $ 75,717  

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial condition as net deferred tax assets. The current and non-current portions of the net deferred tax asset were $8.8 million and $56.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011 and $8.8 million and $67.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2010.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company’s net deferred income tax asset attributable to intangible assets was $58.2 million, which is being amortized and creating a tax benefit of $7.9 million per year over 15 years expiring during 2019. This deferred income tax asset was created as a result of the Company purchasing 20,000,000 membership units from CFP in 2004, whereby the Company made an election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code to mark-to-market all qualified assets that it purchased, of which 17,000,000 qualified for the stepped-up in basis. Most of the assets receiving the stepped-up basis for tax purposes are in the form of intangible assets, such as management contracts, distribution contracts and intellectual property.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company’s capital loss carryforward was $27.6 million, of which $21.8 million will expire in 2013 and $5.8 million will expire in 2014, if not used before the expiration dates. As of December 31, 2011, the Company’s valuation allowance on this deferred tax assets was $5.2 million, which was recorded during 2011. There was no valuation allowance as of December 31, 2010.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits and it does not anticipate any unrecognized tax benefits arising in the next 12 months that would result in a material change to its financial position. A reconciliation is not provided, as the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized benefits are zero with no interim additions, reductions or settlements.

 
F-25

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


(16)
Earnings Per Share

The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Earnings per share – basic:
                 
Earnings available to common shareholders
  $ 15,870     $ 19,928     $ 12,424  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    20,104       19,885       19,626  
Earnings per share – basic
  $ 0.79     $ 1.00     $ 0.63  
                         
Earnings per share – diluted:
                       
Earnings available to common shareholders
  $ 15,870     $ 19,928     $ 12,424  
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding
    20,104       19,885       19,626  
Dilutive impact of restricted stock units
    508       303       328  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    20,612       20,188       19,954  
Earnings per share – diluted
  $ 0.77     $ 0.99     $ 0.62  

When dilutive, diluted shares outstanding for 2011, 2010 and 2009 are calculated (a) assuming that Calamos Interests exchanged all of their ownership interest in Calamos Investments and their CAM Class B common stock for shares of CAM’s Class A common stock (the Exchange) and (b) including the effect of outstanding dilutive equity incentive compensation awards. As of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the impact of the Exchange was anti-dilutive and, therefore, excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

The Company uses the treasury stock method to reflect the dilutive effect of unvested RSUs and unexercised stock options on diluted earnings per share. Under the treasury stock method, if the average market price of common stock increases above the option’s exercise price, the proceeds that would be assumed to be realized from the exercise of the option would be used to acquire outstanding shares of common stock. However, the awards may be anti-dilutive even when the market price of the underlying stock exceeds the option’s exercise price. This result is possible because compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized is included as a component of the assumed proceeds upon exercise. The dilutive effect of such options and RSUs would increase the weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

The Company amended its certificate of incorporation requiring that the Exchange be based on a fair value approach (details of the amendment are set forth in the Company’s Schedule 14C filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 12, 2009). The amendment results in the same or fewer shares of Class A common stock being issued at the time of the Exchange.

The shares issued upon Exchange as presented are estimated solely on the formula as described in the Schedule 14C that does not necessarily reflect all inputs used in a fair valuation. It is critical to note that this formula does not incorporate certain economic factors and as such, in the event of an actual Exchange, the majority of the Company’s independent directors may determine the fair market value of CAM’s net assets and its ownership in Calamos Investments. For example, premiums and/or discounts for control and marketability as well as a different discount rate for future cash flows may be applied. Therefore, the directors’ valuation may result in the actual number of shares being materially different from the shares presented. Further, based upon currently available information, the Company believes it is extremely remote that any Exchange would transpire without a fair market valuation of CAM’s net assets and an agreement by Calamos Interests to Exchange, based upon that fair market valuation.

 
F-26

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


The following table shows the number of shares which were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as they were anti-dilutive:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Exchange of Calamos Interests’ ownership in
Calamos Investments for shares of Class A
common stock
    43,360,855       47,527,952       47,923,822  
Restricted stock units
    -       49,418       897,064  
Stock options
    2,345,063       2,411,866       2,472,381  
Total
    45,705,918       49,989,236       51,293,267  

The maximum number of shares of Class A common stock that could be issued to the Calamos Interests upon exchange is 71,931,712 at December 31, 2011.

(17)
Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that include indemnities in favor of third parties, such as engagement letters with advisors and consultants, distribution agreements and service agreements. In accordance with the Company’s by-laws, the Company has also agreed to indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents in certain cases. Certain agreements do not contain any limits on the Company’s liability and, therefore, it is not possible to estimate the Company’s potential liability under these indemnities. In certain cases, the Company may have recourse against third parties with respect to these indemnities. Further, the Company maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims under these indemnities.

The Company is from time to time involved in litigation relating to claims arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that all current claims made are without merit and the Company intends to defend against them vigorously. Management believes that the ultimate resolution of such claims will not materially affect the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations and that the likelihood of a material adverse impact is remote.

The Company leases office space and computer equipment under long-term operating leases expiring at various dates through fiscal year 2025. For years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 lease expenses were $5.0 million, 4.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the Company’s aggregate future minimum payments for operating leases having initial or non-cancelable terms greater than one year were payable as follows:

 
(in thousands)
 
Minimum
Payments
 
       
Year ended December 31:
     
2012
  $ 4,984  
2013
    4,489  
2014
    4,566  
2015
    4,222  
2016
    4,119  
Thereafter
    39,927  
Total minimum lease payments
  $ 62,307  


 
F-27

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


(18)
Regulatory and Net Capital Requirements

As a broker-dealer, CFS is subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital, as defined, and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital (net capital ratio), as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the net capital, the excess of the required net capital and the net capital ratio were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Net capital
  $ 6,512     $ 9,698  
Excess of required net capital
  $ 5,447     $ 8,527  
Net capital ratio
 
2.45 : 1.0
   
1.81 : 1.0
 

CFS is not required to compute the Reserve Requirements under Exhibit A of Rule 15c3-3(k)(2)(i) or to include Information Relating to the Possession or Control Requirements under Rule 15c3-3, because the Registrant operates primarily with the purpose of distributing open-end fund shares and does not hold customer funds or safekeep customer securities.


(19)
Concentration Risk

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the percentage of revenues derived from services provided to two Company-sponsored open-end funds, the Calamos Growth Fund and the Calamos Growth and Income Fund, were as follows:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Calamos Growth Fund
    29 %     31 %     34 %
Calamos Growth and Income Fund
    14 %     14 %     15 %

(20) Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)


   
As of or for the Quarter Ended
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Dec. 31
   
Sept. 30
   
June 30
   
March 31
   
Dec. 31
   
Sept. 30
   
June 30
   
March 31
 
(in millions)
                                               
Assets under management
  $ 32,777     $ 31,777     $ 37,352     $ 37,961     $ 35,414     $ 32,564     $ 29,913     $ 32,963  
                                                                 
                                                                 
in thousands, except  share data)
                                                               
Total revenue
  $ 82,366     $ 86,483     $ 92,924     $ 90,548     $ 86,024     $ 78,419     $ 80,466     $ 81,130  
Total operating expenses
    51,411       53,752       53,576       53,233       50,307       47,808       50,811       50,612  
Operating income
  $ 30,955     $ 32,731     $ 39,348     $ 37,315     $ 35,717     $ 30,611     $ 29,655     $ 30,518  
                                                                 
Net income attributable to CAM
  $ (64 )   $ 4,609     $ 6,693     $ 4,632     $ 5,754     $ 4,693     $ 4,670     $ 4,811  
                                                                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.00     $ 0.22     $ 0.32     $ 0.23     $ 0.28     $ 0.23     $ 0.23     $ 0.24  
Diluted shares outstanding
    20,709,703       20,636,776       20,614,941       20,478,456       20,428,635       20,143,747       20,201,608       20,122,940  



 
F-28

 


CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)


(21)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

We have reviewed all newly issued accounting pronouncements that are applicable to our business and to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, including those not yet required to be adopted. We do not believe any such pronouncements will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Accounting guidance that have not yet become effective with respect to our consolidated financial statements are described below:

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance that requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. An entity should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. Our effective date is January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance that requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. An entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. This update eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, applied prospectively. Our effective date is January 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the application of existing fair value measurement requirements and to change particular principles or requirements for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, applied prospectively. Our effective date is January 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 
 


 
F-29

 


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) (the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief accounting officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

No significant changes were made in our internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s fourth quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP’s Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Item 8 of Part II, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on or about June 1, 2012 at our main offices, 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563. The deadlines for director nominations and for stockholder proposals, whether or not for inclusion in our proxy statement submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, remain unchanged.
 


 
II-1

 


PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Executive Management
 
Directors
   
John P. Calamos, Sr.
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and Co-Chief Investment Officer
John P. Calamos, Sr.
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and Co-Chief Investment Officer
   
Nick P. Calamos
President of Investments
and Co-Chief Investment Officer
Nick P. Calamos
President of Investments
and Co-Chief Investment Officer
   
James J. Boyne
Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer
G. Bradford Bulkley
Founder
Bulkley Capital, L.P.
   
Nimish S. Bhatt
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Thomas F. Eggers
Former Chief Executive Office
The Dreyfus Corporation
   
Randall T. Zipfel
Senior Vice President
and Chief Administrative Officer
Mitchell S. Feiger
President and Chief Executive Officer
MB Financial, Inc.
   
 
Richard W. Gilbert
President
Gilbert Communications, Inc.
   
 
Arthur L. Knight
Private Investor and Business Consultant
Former President and Chief Executive Officer
Morgan Products, Ltd.


Additional information regarding the Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance of the Company and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”).

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code of Conduct) that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The Company posts its periodic filings as well as other important communications and documents on the Investor Relations section of our website at (http://investors.calamos.com). We encourage shareholders and investors to visit our website and review such filings, communications and documents. The Code of Conduct is posted on our website and is also available in print free of charge to any shareholder who requests a copy. Interested parties may address a written request for a printed copy of the Code of Conduct to: Secretary, Calamos Asset Management, Inc., 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, IL 60563. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding any amendment to, or a waiver of, a provision of the Code of Conduct by posting such information on our website.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the registrant’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders on or about June 1, 2012.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the registrant’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders on or about June 1, 2012.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the registrant’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders on or about June 1, 2012.

 
II-2

 
 
 
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the registrant’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders on or about June 1, 2012.
 

 
II-3

 

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report.

1.  
Financial Statements: See Item 8 of Part II.
2.  
Financial Statement Schedules: None.
3.  
List of Exhibits:

Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
           
3(i)
 
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2009).
 
       
3(ii)
 
Second Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2009).
 
           
4.1
 
Stockholders’ Agreement among John P. Calamos, Sr., Nick P. Calamos and John P. Calamos, Jr., certain trusts controlled by them, Calamos Family Partners, Inc. and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2004).
 
       
4.2
 
Registration Rights Agreement between Calamos Family Partners, Inc., John P. Calamos, Sr. and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2004).
 
       
4.3
 
Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2007, by and among Calamos Investments LLC (formerly with Calamos Holdings LLC) and various institutional investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 18, 2007).
 
           
4.4
 
Waiver and First Amendment to 2007 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2008, between Calamos Investments LLC and various institutional investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2008).
 
       
10.1
 
Employment Agreement between the Registrant and John P. Calamos, Sr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2004).
 
       
10.2
 
Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Nick P. Calamos (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2004).
 
           
10.3
 
Amendment Number 1 to Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Nick P. Calamos (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2007).
 
           
       
10.4
 
Omnibus Amendment Relating to Code Section 409A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2009).
 
 
10.5
 
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended effective May 22, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2009).
 
 
10.6
 
Form of Equity Award Statement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2009).
   
               
10.7
 
Form of Non-Employee Equity Award Statement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2009).
 
       
10.8
 
Contribution Agreement between the Registrant and Calamos Investments LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2004).
 
           
 
 
 
 
II-4

 
 
 
10.9
 
Tax Indemnity Agreement among the Registrant, Calamos Family Partners, Inc. and Calamos Investments LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2004).
 
           
10.10
 
Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Calamos Investments LLC by and among Calamos Family Partners, Inc., John P. Calamos, Sr. and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2010).
 
           
10.11
 
Management Services and Resources Agreement by and among the Registrant, Calamos Family Partners, Inc. and Calamos Property Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2007).
 
               
10.12
 
Lease Agreement between 2020 Calamos Court LLC and Calamos Investments LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2005).
 
               
10.13
 
Lease Agreement between CityGate Centre I LLC and Calamos Investments LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 20, 2007).
 
               
21.1
 
Subsidiaries of the Company.
 
 
           
23.1
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP.
 
 
           
31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
 
           
31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
 
           
32.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
           
32.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
       
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
       
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
       
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
       
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
       
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
       
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
       
 
 
 * Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

Upon written request by a stockholder to our Secretary at 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563, any exhibit shall be available at a reasonable charge (which will be limited to our reasonable expenses in furnishing such exhibits).

 
II-5

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 12, 2012.


   
CALAMOS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
 
By: /s/ Nimish S. Bhatt
 
Name: Nimish S. Bhatt
 
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer







Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
Title
Date
     
/s/ John P. Calamos, Sr.
John P. Calamos, Sr.
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and
Co-Chief Investment Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 12, 2012
     
/s/Nimish S. Bhatt
Nimish S. Bhatt
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer)
March 12, 2012
     
/s/ Nick P. Calamos
Nick P. Calamos
President of Investments and
Co-Chief Investment Officer, Director
March 12, 2012
     
/s/ G. Bradford Bulkley
G. Bradford Bulkley
Director
March 12, 2012
     
/s/ Thomas F. Eggers
Thomas F. Eggers
Director
March 12, 2012
     
/s/ Mitchell S. Feiger
Mitchell S. Feiger
Director
March 12, 2012
     
/s/ Richard W. Gilbert
Richard W. Gilbert
Director
March 12, 2012
     
/s/ Arthur L. Knight
Arthur L. Knight
Director
March 12, 2012


 
  II-6